In the wake of the death of Sherwood Forest's 1,000-year-old Major oak, Prof Rebecca Clifford of Durham University has urged the public to take collective action to honor the tree's memory. Writing in a letter to the Guardian, she outlined three concrete steps that could form a fitting memorial.
Legal Protection for Trees
First, Clifford insists that trees must be given proper legal protection. She noted that the government commissioned a report on this topic last year, as reported by the Guardian. A meaningful tribute to the Major oak would be to contact your MP and urge them to advance this issue urgently.
Public Participation in Tree Inventories
Second, she encourages people to log ancient, veteran, or notable trees in their area on the Woodland Trust's online tree inventory. This citizen science effort helps track and protect significant trees across the country.
Tree Preservation Orders
Third, Clifford recommends requesting a tree preservation order (TPO) for any trees that enhance local surroundings. Anyone can apply for a TPO, and a shared national effort in memory of the Major oak could be transformative, she said.
The Major oak, estimated to be around 1,000 years old, was widely considered the most famous tree in the world. Its death has prompted widespread sadness and calls for stronger conservation measures.
