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.

Scientists believe the 1,200-year-old Major Oak, the legendary hideout of Robin Hood, has died after it failed to produce any new leaves this spring,

The RSPB, which manages the woods in Nottinghamshire where the tree stands, said it had been in decline for some years.