The Great Oak, Sherwood, Nottinghamshire - image courtesy of RSPB
The Great Oak, Sherwood, Nottinghamshire - image courtesy of RSPB

In the 1900s, Nottingham was dubbed ‘The Queen of the Midlands’ and is now fast becoming a hub for culture, sport and Michelin starred dining. However, most people when asked will associate Nottingham with Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest.

Centuries in the making, the legend of Sherwood continues to grow, with every generation adding to its legacy. For centuries it has conjured up visions of Robin and his merry men as they defend the rights of the poor, fool the law and hide out out amongst the forest’s famous oaks. The legend that has constantly adapted since the late medieval age, but has always endured.

But apart from Robin Hood, what other attractions bring visitors to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest?

Mighty Oaks

One of the many visitor highlights is the forest’s collection of ancient oaks – almost 1,000 of them, making it the biggest and best place to find these trees in Europe. Sherwood Forest is most famous for the Major Oak tree that produces 150,000 acorns every year.

There’s also some amazing invertebrate species and birds like the lesser spotted woodpecker and tree pipi. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) protected under European law, the forest is today a magical destination for the 350,000 people who visit each year.

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