It’s not the first time the legendary oak has been declared dead. On previous occasions, fears were raised only for the tree to stubbornly leaf out again each spring. Not this year.
Published on
19/06/2026 - 14:28 GMT+2
Sherwood Forest's Major Oak, the legendary ancient tree said to have sheltered Robin Hood, has died.
The tree failed to sprout leaves this spring, prompting the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to confirm what conservationists had long feared.
Legend holds that the 13th-century outlaw used the oak as a hideout while evading his nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham, stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
Robin Hood’s 1,200-year-old Major Oak has died
1,200-year-old Sherwood Forest tree, linked to Robin Hood legend, is dead
Ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood is dead
An ancient oak tree said to have sheltered legendary Robin Hood has died
1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died, group says: "Heartbreaking for everyone"
Legendary oak tree of Robin Hood lore dies after 1,200 years
Ancient oak tree linked to Robin Hood loved to death
Ancient oak tree linked to Robin Hood legend dies
End of a legend: Ancient Major Oak said to have sheltered Robin Hood is dead
Ancient Sherwood Forest oak tree reputed to have sheltered Robin Hood has died
The legendary outlaw is believed to have sheltered beneath the tree
Conservationists say the Major Oak failed to sprout leaves after many years of soil compression caused by visiting fans.
The tree is said to have sheltered Robin Hood, the legendary 13th-century bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and…
The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, linked to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed to have died
A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood may have been loved to death.
A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood may have been loved to death. The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in…
