In 1982 a dozen environmentalists banded together because they could no longer just sit back and watch the forests perish. They called themselves ROBIN WOOD, inspired by the legendary character, and sprang into action as non-violent "Defenders of the Leaf". Initially ROBIN WOOD focused on the topic of acid rain. Thus several chimney stacks were scaled and "occupied" by adventurous environmentalists and decorated with banners of protest and warning

The idea of becoming personally involved in environmental issues has caught the interest of many people. Presently, this organisation has about 13.000 donators and 1,600 members. Regional offices can be found in about eleven cities. Further issues have been adopted: ROBIN WOOD is campaigning against the destruction of tropical rain forests, against the wasteful use of energy and increasing levels of rubbish, and they are working for a reasonable transport policy. Whether ROBIN WOOD is climbing the roof of some major power supply company or expressing its opinion to the government unignorably on an enormous banner, ROBIN WOOD activists can be seen there in their leisure time. The majority of the organisation's work - whether spectacular events, information stands, lectures or publications - is carried out by unpaid volunteer workers.