An ancient oak tree said to have sheltered legendary Robin Hood has died

The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest — long linked to the legend of Robin Hood — appears to have died after failing to leaf this spring.
Experts say millions of visitors (soil compaction), plus interventions to prop its limbs and climate stresses like heatwaves and drought, likely starved and strangled its roots.
An English icon with historic uses (timber for navy ships and St. Paul’s roof), the Major Oak remains a powerful conservation symbol and talking point for visitors.