Sherwood Forest a natural wonder worth celebrating

AST week, proclamations were made across the county from Edwinstowe to Nottingham Castle to mark the importance of Sherwood Forest, as communities came together to mark its cultural, historic and natural value.

- By ERIN MCDAID

(JOHN MILER / NATIONAL TRUST / PA)

Sherwood Forest Day was set up after Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh put forward an Early Day Motion in the Houses of Parliament. This was backed by other local MPs in 2024 and February 20th as the day to celebrate - tying in with the anniversary of the birth of Major Hayman Rooke back in 1723. Major Rooke lived in Mansfield Woodhouse and his work documenting the area's ancient woodlands helped raise awareness of this special place and resulted in Sherwood’s most famous tree, The Major Oak, being renamed in his honour.

Whilst Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak are well known locally and internationally, the wider value and importance of the forest is perhaps less appreciated and dare I say, somewhat taken for granted locally. Sherwood Forest Day is therefore a great way to encourage people from across Nottinghamshire to reflect on Sherwood’s role in our history and culture and its value in supporting nature. The forest also helps support the well-being of communities and boosts the local economy through tourism. The day also offers an opportunity to recognise and thank everyone that plays helps preserve and promote the forest today.