Death of the Major oak should spur tree protection

June 26, 2026 • Environment

Letters: Prof Rebecca Clifford outlines step we might take towards a fitting memorial for this remarkable tree

I’m sure people throughout the country, and indeed the world, have been greatly saddened to learn of the death of Sherwood Forest’s Major oak (‘Most famous tree in the world’: Sherwood Forest’s 1,000-year-old Major oak dies, 18 June). There are steps we might take collectively towards a fitting memorial for this remarkable tree. First, we need to insist that our trees are given proper legal protection. The Guardian reported last year that the government has commissioned a report on this topic. One fitting memorial to the Major oak would be to contact your MP and urge them to further this issue urgently. Another would be to log ancient, veteran or notable trees in your area on the Woodland Trust’s online tree inventory. And a third would be to request a tree preservation order for any trees in your area that enhance your surroundings. Anyone can do this, and a shared national effort in memory of the Major oak could be transformative. Prof Rebecca Clifford Durham University • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.

Source: The Guardian