One of the most famous trees in the world was declared dead after failing to produce leaves following repeated hot, dry summers and years of attention from tourists.
Sherwood Forest’s gigantic Major Oak in Nottinghamshire, England, thought to be up to 1,200 years old, was a popular tourist attraction for its connection to Robin Hood. The tree was declared dead by the RSPB, a charity for the conservation of birds and nature, after years of visible decline. The decision was made after the Major Oak failed to come into leaf this spring.
The RSPB said the tree’s death was caused by “a complex combination of issues.”
“For more than a century, well intentioned efforts to preserve the tree’s impressive shape — including metal bracing, props, concrete and coverings — prevented it from ageing naturally and in fact created added challenges to its survival. Millions of visitors also compacted the sandy soil around its roots, making it difficult for water, nutrients and oxygen to reach the tree,” the RSPB explained.
“Recent investigations carried out by the site team with the UK’s leading soil scientists and arboricultural experts, revealed that the soil was extremely hard and lacking in life, and the root system was far smaller and weaker than earlier scans suggested. This combination of poor soil, human interventions and a weakened root system has been a major factor in the decline of the Major Oak.
“Additionally, climate change and the associated recent heat waves and droughts have compounded the challenges faced by the tree.”
With a trunk circumference of around 11 metres and a crown of 28 metres, the Major Oak has been woven into the story of Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood. Legend has it that Robin Hood hid within the hollow trunk of the tree to escape from the Sherriff of Nottingham’s men. Despite the legend, the Major Oak would have only been an acorn at the time of the outlaw, however, he may have hidden in a tree of equivalent size at that time.
“Although this marks the end of the Major Oak as a living tree, it does not mark the end of its story,” the RSPB continued. “The iconic oak tree remains a powerful presence in the landscape and an enduring part of our cultural heritage. The tree and soil beneath it will continue to be a vital refuge for wildlife and the knowledge we have gained by looking after the Major Oak will help preserve other ancient oaks across the country. Its legacy will live on through its saplings and the legends associated with it, with plans being drawn up with our partners, and the tree will continue to be a vital refuge for wildlife.”
According to The Guardian, outdoor educator Robert Brackley arrived dressed as Robin Hood to give the tree an informal funeral. “The stories it has given us is the legacy. It’s the most famous tree in the world. The legend always lives on. I feel sad but it’s a fleeting moment in time. We must remember how it was and be in awe of it today.”
Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
