One of the most iconic trees in the UK, associated with the legend of Robin Hood, the "Major Oak" has died – the tree did not produce new leaves for the first time, reports The Guardian.
The British conservation organization "Royal Society for the Protection of Birds" noted that this spring, a massive tree in Sherwood Forest was declared dead after a long life spanning several centuries.
"With a crown spread of 28 meters and a trunk circumference of 11 meters, Major Oak was one of the largest trees in Britain. Supports for some branches were installed in the early 20th century, and the tree was fenced off in the 1970s," the report states.
Determining the exact cause is difficult. The society stated that a combination of many factors contributed, with the main ones being "structural intervention with good intentions and too much human activity" related to the tree. The consequences of climate change, including recent heatwaves and droughts, have exacerbated the problems the tree inevitably faces at such an age.
Despite its biological death, the oak will remain in its historic location. Additionally, saplings have been planted around the world.
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