‘Most famous tree in the world’: Sherwood Forest’s 1,000-year-old Major oak dies (opens original article in a new tab)

The 1,000-year-old Major oak in Sherwood Forest has died after years of stress from climate change and human activity, with experts attributing its decline to a combination of factors including hot summers, soil issues, and conservation efforts that may have inadvertently harmed it.

• The Major oak, one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated ancient trees, has died after failing to produce leaves this year due to stress from hot, dry summers.
• Human admiration and conservation efforts, including props and metal chains installed to support the tree, may have hastened its decline.
• Experts suggest the tree's death is linked to climate change, soil degradation, and historical interventions, with calls for better protection for ancient trees.