The 1,200-year-old Major Oak, a legendary tree in Sherwood Forest linked to the Robin Hood myth, has been declared dead after failing to sprout leaves this spring, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) confirmed on June 18, 2026. The tree, which has been a major tourist attraction for centuries, is believed to have succumbed to a combination of age, disease, and damage from visitors.
The RSPB, which manages the forest, stated that the tree's death is 'heartbreaking for everyone' and attributed it to 'loving it to death' due to excessive foot traffic and soil compaction around its roots. The tree had been supported by metal braces and cables for decades to prevent its massive limbs from collapsing.
The Major Oak, estimated to be between 800 and 1,200 years old, has been a symbol of English folklore since the 19th century, when it was associated with the outlaw Robin Hood. It has appeared in numerous films and books, including Disney's 1973 animated adaptation.
Despite the tree's death, the RSPB said the trunk and branches will remain standing as a monument, and efforts will be made to preserve its legacy through educational programs and a new sapling planted nearby. The forest remains open to the public, with measures in place to protect other ancient trees.
