Major Oak is worse for the weather as dry spell continues

THE summer drought is hampering attempts to care for the famous Major Oak tree.

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The recent heatwaves and subsequent drought have been providing a challenge to teams caring for the ancient oak in Sherwood Forest, said the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The RSPB is working with tree and soil health specialists to help the 1,000-year-old tree - reputed to have been a hiding place for Robin Hood and his band of outlaws - which is suffering from poor health.

The soil around the base of the tree had been compacted by foot, horse and vehicle traffic until a fence was installed around it in the mid-1970s, restricting the flow of water, oxygen and the availability of nutrients to the tree's roots.

The tree's roots are also in poor condition, with analysis showing a lack of vital interaction with fungi and other organisms.