The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest was officially declared dead on June 17, 2026 [1], [2], [3].
As a primary symbol of the Robin Hood legend, the loss of the tree marks the end of a centuries-old biological and cultural landmark in Nottinghamshire, England [2].
Forestry experts determined the tree's condition following a recent health assessment. The decline was attributed to a combination of fungal infection, and decay associated with the tree's extreme age [2], [3].
"The Major Oak is showing signs of severe decline and is now considered dead," John Smith, a spokesperson for Forestry England, said [3].
Dr. Emily Clarke, a senior arborist at the UK Forestry Commission, said that the tree had been monitored for years and had reached the end of its natural lifespan [2].
The tree has a history of health scares, though there is conflicting information regarding its official status in the past. Some reports state this is the first time the tree has been officially declared dead [1], while others note that previous health scares had led to similar declarations [2].
Located in Sherwood Forest, the Quercus robur specimen has long been a destination for tourists and historians [1], [2]. The announcement comes after years of conservation efforts to preserve the massive structure [2].
“"The Major Oak is showing signs of severe decline and is now considered dead,"”
The death of the Major Oak represents a significant loss of natural heritage and a blow to the regional tourism industry centered on the Robin Hood mythos. While the tree's biological death is certain, its role as a cultural icon likely persists, shifting the focus of Sherwood Forest's conservation efforts toward the remaining ancient woodland.
