Published 06.51
After more than a thousand years in Sherwood Forest, the Major Oak, one of Europe’s most famous oaks, has died, The Guardian reports, among others.
The tree in England’s Nottinghamshire did not leaf out this year after years of drought, extreme heat and prolonged human impact.
The oak, which according to legend sheltered Robin Hood and his party as they fled from the Sheriff of Nottingham, has attracted visitors for generations.
Attempts to preserve the oak may also have contributed to the decay. Branches have been supported with metal chains and wooden supports since 1904, and cavities have been filled with concrete. Experts believe that this has made the tree’s natural aging more difficult.
Now it has to remain as dead wood – which is still important for the ecosystem.
