Ancient 'Robin Hood' tree is dead, experts say

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Ancient 'Robin Hood' tree is dead, experts say1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleAsha Patel ,East MidlandsandDavid Pittam ,NottinghamBen Andrew/RSPBThe Major Oak - which has stood at the heart of Sherwood Forest for hundreds of years - has had its first spring without new leavesAn ancient oak tree that has stood in the heart of a famous forest for hundreds of years and is linked to the legend of Robin Hood has died, experts believe. The Major Oak is estimated to have lived in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire for up to 1,200 years, and is considered one of Britain's biggest oak trees. Conservationists worked to protect the tree, which attracted millions of visitors over its life, but in recent years the natural giant was in decline.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - the conservation charity which manages the forest - said after the tree's first spring with no leaves this year, scientific experts believed the Major Oak had died. While it was difficult to determine the exact cause of the oak's demise, the RSPB said a combination of issues - including years of "well-intentioned structural intervention and huge amounts of human activity" around the tree - were thought to be "major contributors". The charity said the effects of climate change - including recent heatwaves and droughts - had compounded challenges it would naturally be facing at its age.

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The Major Oak will remain in place at Sherwood Forest as a habitat for wildlife and "natural monument" for visitors. Saplings from the tree have also been planted across the world. Nottinghamshire County CouncilPantomime actors Barney Harwood, Su Pollard and David Hasselhoff all received saplings of the Major Oak in 2013Legend has it that the outlaw Robin Hood used the Major Oak's hollow trunk - which in fact was caused by fungi - as his hideout.

The oak had many names but the "Major" stuck after the tree was mentioned in a book in 1790 by Major Hayman Rooke - a former British Army soldier who lived in Mansfield Woodhouse - a few miles from Sherwood Forest - after he left the military. According to the RSPB, the book prompted the first waves of tourism to the forest and the "world-famous" tree. Legendary actor Dame Judi Dench is known for her love of ancient oak trees, and has paid tribute to the Major Oak.

Reg HarrisOne of the first known images of taken of the Major Oak, according to the RSPBAndy Rain/EPA/ShutterstockDame Judi Dench is well known for her love of ancient oak treesDame Dench, patron and ambassador for the Woodland Trust, said: "The Major Oak has provided inspiration for countless stories, poems, paintings and people for more than 1,000 years - all the while itself teeming with life and providing a home to an enormous range of wildlife. "I was lucky enough to plant an oak sapling from Sherwood Forest with Woodland Trust CEO Darren Moorcroft in my garden recently. It has a special place alongside the cutting from the Sycamore Gap tree.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.