The Major Oak, the legacy lives on

The Major Oak (C) Charles Sainsbury Plaice

Action Oak is very sad to read the announcement of the death of the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, one of Britain's most treasured and iconic trees.

The Major Oak was more than a tree; it was a living symbol of resilience, continuity, and the importance of protecting our natural heritage.

For centuries, the Major Oak has stood at the heart of Sherwood Forest, inspiring generations through its remarkable presence, its rich biodiversity, and its enduring place in our national heritage. Thought to be in excess of 1000 years old the Major Oak is one of our 65,000 ancient, veteran and notable oaks. The UK has more ancient native oaks than all other European countries combined. These trees are ecologically rare and of great importance.

Thankfully the Major Oak’s story is not over. Although officially dead this tree will now become a deadwood habitat. Many of the 2,300 oak-associated species depend on deadwood. The UK’s veteran and ancient oak trees and woodlands support a broad range of biodiversity, and provide unique habitats for a vast array of rare and threatened species. The Major Oak will now become a home for important saprotrophic fungi and saproxylic insects: both feed on dead or decaying wood. Giving life to others in its passing.