Overview
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds confirmed on Wednesday that the Major Oak failed to produce leaves this spring and is now declared dead after centuries of decline.
- Soil tests and surveys found root-zone compaction from millions of past visitors plus century-old braces and repairs left the tree’s roots starved and disconnected from the surrounding soil.
- Scientists say a run of very hot, dry years added stress that the weakened root system could not survive, with monitoring showing its last leaf burst in 2025.
- The RSPB will leave the trunk and limbs standing as a visible monument and habitat while teams continue to monitor stability and use propagated acorns and cuttings to grow offspring worldwide.
- Conservation groups including the Woodland Trust are urging statutory protections and a shift in veteran-tree care toward underground management and routine monitoring to prevent similar losses.