Major Oak in Sherwood Forest confirmed dead after failing to leaf

Scientists confirm that Major Oak, a 1,000-year-old oak in Sherwood Forest, has died following a series of hot, dry summers that caused it to fail to produce new leaves.

By Emma McCann1 min read

Email Report an error

Image not availableNot all original photographs have been retained in the digital archive.

Major Oak failed to produce any new leaves in 2026 after becoming stressed by a sequence of hot, dry summers over the preceding decade. The tree's inability to regenerate foliage indicated irreversible decline.

The oak had been weakened by poor soil health, soil compaction from visitors, and its wartime use as a military camp. These factors contributed to its declining structural integrity.

Support props and metal chains installed in 1904 were found to have placed additional strain on the tree’s limbs. The RSPB confirmed that these props likely impaired the oak’s ability to sustain itself.