Sherwood Forest - The Major Oak, Plans for the Future, Trivia, External Links

An area of heath and woodland, mainly in Nottinghamshire, C England, UK, where mediaeval kings hunted deer. It is famed for being the home of Robin Hood. In 2002 it was designated a national nature reserve.

Sherwood Forest is a world famous country park surrounding the village of Edwinstowe in Nottinghamshire, England, historically associated with the legend of Robin Hood. The 460-acre country park of today is a remnant of a much larger royal hunting forest which extended into several neighbouring counties. The country park was opened to the public in 1969 by Nottinghamshire County Council which manages the park under lease from the Thoresby Estate.

Sherwood Forest is a popular tourist attraction and attracts 500,000 tourists annually, including many from around the world.

The Major Oak

Sherwood Forest is home to the legendary Major Oak which, according to local folklore, was Robin Hood's principal hideout. In February 1998, a local company took cuttings from the Major Oak and began cultivating clones of the famous tree with the intention of sending saplings to be planted in major cities around the world.

The Major Oak was featured on the 2005 BBC TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the natural wonders of the Midlands.

Plans for the Future

In early 2006 it was announced that major plans to transform the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre had been drawn up.

Trivia

Sherwood Forest is the location of the first UK Center Parcs holiday village. Birch tree seeds, harvested from Sherwood forest, are much sought-after and can be bought from several different websites.

External Links

Nottinghamshire County Council's Official Sherwood Forest Page Sherwood Forest Trust Official Website