Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBrian MelleyThursday 18 June 2026 07:05 BSTThe Major Oak has seen its first spring with no leaves (PA)The legendary Major Oak, a 1,200-year-old tree in Sherwood Forest famously linked to Robin Hood, has died.The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) confirmed the ancient oak failed to sprout leaves this spring.Its death is attributed to centuries of soil compaction by millions of visitors, which prevented rain from reaching its roots, alongside the impacts of climate change, including heatwaves and drought.Tree experts found the root system was strangled and starved, despite past interventions to shore up its massive limbs and protection by a fence since the 1970s.The Major Oak will remain a natural monument in Sherwood Forest, continuing to stand as part of the Robin Hood legend and supporting the forest's ecosystem in death.In fullRobin Hood’s 1,200-year-old Major Oak has died: ‘Heartbreaking for everyone’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in