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As far back as the Middle Ages, Sherwood Forest comprised not just birch and oak woodland but also open areas of sandy heath and settlements. The woodland has developed to such a maturity that it is now recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At the time of William the Conqueror, Sherwood Forest covered a third of Nottinghamshire, and as a royal hunting preserve many English kings visited - it was here that King Richard III was hunting in Sherwood Forest when he received the fateful news that Henry Tudor had landed, and rode south to meet his death at the Battle of Bosworth. After the fall of Charles I, royal power over Sherwood declined, and it passed into the hands of private owners. Of course, tradition states that it was here also that Robin Hood poached the king's deer in the royal forest, providing rich pickings for the outlaw and his gang To the present day, the Country Park which is what has become today's Sherwood Forest, is perhaps best known for its ancient oaks. Over 900 of these trees survive in the Park, and many are 600 years old or more. Some are contorted into fantastic shapes including the hollowing of their ancient trunks by age and weather. Many of the oaks are in a state of decay but still support a rich ecosystem and 1500 species of beetle and 200 types of spider can be found amongst the fallen leaves. The forest also attracts birds not found elsewhere in Nottingham such as Redstarts, Wood Warblers, Nightjars and Long Eared Owls. The most visited of the oaks is 'The Major Oak' and it's the centrepiece of the Park. Experts estimate it to be 800 years old, although difficulties arise when dealing with these trees - is 'The Major Oak' a single tree or three or four which have fused together over time? Whatever its true age, these statistics are accurate:
The Country Park also offers:
The Forest has seen settlements over hundreds of years, it's been used for royal hunting, as estates for rich landowners, and a vital source and supply of fuel - English Oak has provided timber for shops and houses and its underground riches of coal were heavily exploited in the 19th century. Now Sherwood Forest Country Park protects the ancient oaks, heaths and trackways, and the Park and wider Sherwood area is great cycling terrain. Visitor
Information Centre Information Nottinghamshire County Council |
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