Robin Hood: RSPB responds to viral claims that Major Oak in Sherwood Forest ‘will be dead by winter’

The RSPB has responded to claims that the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest will die later this year. 

A viral post shared on social media last week claimed that the iconic tree’s roots had “rotted away” and wouldn’t be alive come winter. 

The post sparked widespread concern online, with members of the public understandably worried about the tree’s health. 

This unsourced claim about the Major Oak has since been debunked by RSPB Sherwood Forest.

In a new YouTube video shared by the RSPB team at Sherwood Forest – experts addressed the work being done to alleviate the tree's declining health, as the Chad reports. 

Rob James, communications officer for Sherwood Forest RSPB, said: “The Major Oak is an incredibly old tree that is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

“It is an icon of nature and means a great deal to the local community and the many thousands of people who visit the forest from all over the world each year.

“While it may be looking its age, it should be remembered that for over a century now, different methods have been used to support its huge limbs and roots to keep it alive.

“There has been frequent speculation about its health for many years and it has certainly endured some challenges in recent times, including three consecutive droughts during peak growing periods combined with unprecedented high temperatures of 40C in July 2022.

“One of the biggest challenges it faces is the impact of soil compaction above its vast root system, caused by decades of visitors walking up to the tree.

“This has made it harder for rainwater to penetrate the soil and for essential microbial activity to take place below the surface.

“In response, a fence was installed in the 1970s and Nottinghamshire County Council used a range of techniques to try and alleviate the issue, which is still affecting the tree, as are the effects of climate change.

According to local legend, famous outlaw Robin Hood used the Major Oak as a hideout. 

The tree weighs an estimated 23 tonnes, has a girth of 10 metres and boasts an impressive canopy that reaches a whopping 28 metres.

Mr James added: “The RSPB, which manages the Sherwood Forest reserve today, is now working alongside some of the UK’s leading tree and soil health experts to carefully aerate the soil around the tree’s roots, increasing oxygen flow, as well as to add a mulch made from natural material in the forest.

“The RSPB is also using technology to measure the water content and soil temperature, as well as the growth and shrinkage of the tree, in real time.

“Water flow rates and the chlorophyll content of the tree’s leaves are also being regularly tested.

“Vegetation around the base of the tree is being allowed to grow naturally to help break up the compacted earth and to retain moisture and vital nutrients.

“This project is ongoing and it is hoped that, while all trees do eventually reach the end of their life, the Major Oak will still continue to live and be in leaf for many years to come.”