Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 38 sources tracked

Ancient oak tree said to have sheltered legendary Robin Hood has died

The Major Oak, linked to Robin Hood legends, has died after failing to produce leaves this spring. The tree was between 800 and 1,200 years old. Experts cite climate change, over-tourism, and failed preservation attempts as causes.

RSS Source map (35)

What changed

New reports identify the specific causes of the tree's death.

Live updates

  1. Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has died

    The Major Oak, linked to Robin Hood legends, has died after failing to produce leaves this spring. The tree was between 800 and 1,200 years old. Experts cite climate change, over-tourism, and failed preservation attempts as causes.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has died.
    • The tree failed to sprout leaves this spring.
    • The tree was between 800 and 1,200 years old.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The tree died due to a combination of climate change, over-tourism, and misguided efforts to save it.
    confidence 90%

  2. Major Oak in Sherwood Forest believed dead

    The 1,200-year-old Major Oak is believed to have died after failing to grow leaves this spring. The tree is a famous tourist attraction linked to legends of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reported the lack of new growth.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Major Oak is located in Sherwood Forest.
    • The tree is 1,200 years old.
    • The tree is linked to legends of Robin Hood.
    • The tree is believed to have died after failing to produce new leaves this spring.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The tree may have been loved to death.
    confidence 90%

  3. Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Presumed Dead

    The Major Oak is believed to have died after failing to sprout leaves this spring. The tree is linked to legends of Robin Hood using it as a hideout. It remains in Nottinghamshire as a natural monument.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Major Oak is located in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
    • The tree failed to produce leaves this spring.
    • The tree is linked to the legend of Robin Hood.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The tree is 1,200 years old.
    • The tree is more than 1,000 years old.
    • The tree may have been loved to death.
    • Robin Hood used the tree as a hideout while running from the sheriff of Nottingham.
    confidence 90%

  4. Major Oak in Sherwood Forest believed to have died

    The Major Oak, an ancient tree tied to Robin Hood legends, failed to produce leaves this spring. The RSPB reports the tree has been in decline for several years. It will stay in Nottinghamshire as a natural monument.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Major Oak is located in Nottinghamshire.
    • The tree failed to produce leaves this spring.
    • The RSPB manages the woodland where the tree stands.
    • The RSPB stated the tree has been in decline for some years.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The tree is up to 1,200 years old.
    • Structural interventions and historical visitors contributed to the tree's decline.
    confidence 90%

  5. Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Believed to Have Died

    The Major Oak, an ancient tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed to have died. Experts noted the tree failed to produce leaves this spring. It will remain in Nottinghamshire as a natural monument.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is believed to have died.
    • The tree failed to produce new leaves this spring.
    • The Major Oak is estimated to be 1,200 years old.
    • The tree is located in Nottinghamshire.
    • The RSPB manages the forest.
    • The tree has been associated with the legend of Robin Hood.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The tree was killed by sightseers.
    • Dry and hot summers caused the tree to fail to produce leaves.
    • The tree is 1,000 years old.
    confidence 90%