A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood has died, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, located in the United Kingdom, did not sprout leaves this spring, confirming its demise.
History and Significance
The tree is said to have sheltered Robin Hood, the legendary 13th-century bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. It got its name after being mentioned in a book on oaks by Major Hayman Rooke in 1790, which led to the first wave of fans visiting the forest.
The forest has been under threat for years, and the tree had been rumored to have died in the past, only to have the group confirm it was still alive. However, the tree’s failure to produce leaves this year is heartbreaking for everyone, according to Hollie Drake of the RSPB.
Tree experts found the root system strangled and starved, likely due to the footprints of millions of visitors, intervention to shore up its massive limbs using cables and poles, and climate change that has brought heat waves and drought.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
