World-famous Robin Hood oak tree has died

An ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood has died.

The Major Oak in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire was thought to be up to 1,200 years old and has perished after its first spring with no leaves, according to the RSPB.

The conservation charity, which manages the woodland, said it had been in decline for some time due to heatwaves, droughts, and high visitor footfall, which heavily impacted the surrounding soil.

The Woodland Trust, which named the oak its tree of the year in 2014, said it had suffered from "excessive tourism".

Ed Pyne, senior conservation adviser, added: "Its decline is a warning – the way we treat ancient trees today will shape whether they survive for future generations."

For years, visitors were able to walk right up to the tree, which dated back to the Norman conquest.

People could even climb into its large hollowing trunk, but the surrounding area was fenced off in the 1970s, and it has since been viewed at a distance.

Read more from Sky News:
Trump's war has been a waste of time
AI's top bosses have message for world leaders

While it will remain standing as a monument for people and wildlife, the RSPB's local site manager said its failure to produce leaves was a "heartbreaking" development.

"We know the Major Oak will have a lasting legacy, first and foremost because it is so inextricably linked to Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest," said Hollie Drake.

"But beyond its cultural heritage, the Major Oak will continue to provide important habitat for wildlife, reminding us why these remarkable trees are so important and why protecting them for the future matters."

Acorns and cuttings have been grown from the tree, and saplings from the oak have been planted in locations around the world, further strengthening its legacy.

(c) Sky News 2026: World-famous Robin Hood oak tree has died