Limb falls off dead 'Robin Hood' oak tree

A limb has fallen off one of the UK's most iconic oak trees two months after experts said it had died.

The Major Oak is estimated to have lived in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire for up to 1,200 years, and has links to the legend of Robin Hood.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - the conservation charity which manages the forest - said in June, after the tree's first spring with no leaves, the Major Oak had died.

The charity said limb failures often occurred without warning especially in "extreme weather conditions".

According to the RSPB, changes to the structure of the tree had been expected as part of the natural process of decay - but added experienced arborists could not always predict how natural processes would unfold.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "While this can be difficult to witness, it is a normal stage in the life of an ancient oak.

"Even in death, the Major Oak remains one of Britain's most important trees, continuing to provide a home for countless species and remaining an enduring symbol of Sherwood Forest."

When the oak tree was confirmed dead, the RSPB said a combination of issues - including years of "well-intentioned structural intervention and huge amounts of human activity" around the tree - were thought to be "major contributors" to its demise.

The charity said the effects of climate change - including recent heatwaves and droughts - had compounded challenges it would naturally be facing at its age.

It warned visitors to not remove wood or any other natural materials from the forest, and that removing material from the site was illegal.

The charity added infrastructure supporting the Major Oak continued to play an "important role" and should not be interfered with.

A spokesperson for the charity added: "The Major Oak has stood at the heart of Sherwood Forest for hundreds of years and continues to be part of its story.

"We know how much this remarkable tree means to people across Nottinghamshire, the UK and beyond, and we thank everyone for helping us care for its legacy with respect and understanding."

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