A robot dog, an interactive Robin Hood movie and new 5G technology - how tourism to Sherwood Forest is set to change

An enhanced visitor experience at Sherwood Forest is set to include robot dogs, internet-controlled drones and a 5G upgrade.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Nottinghamshire County Council has said that the work would make it the world's first 5G-connected forest.

The authority hopes the stronger signal could be used to offer visitors an augmented reality headset to view an immersive new Robin Hood-themed film.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The drones and robot dogs could be used to help with environmental research at the ancient site.

Pictured, from left, are Little John,  Dr Moad Idrissi (Birmingham City Uni) Coun Keith Girling, Phil Hasted of Gooii,  Ahmed Osman (Birmingham City Uni) Robin Hood and Maid MarianPictured, from left, are Little John,  Dr Moad Idrissi (Birmingham City Uni) Coun Keith Girling, Phil Hasted of Gooii,  Ahmed Osman (Birmingham City Uni) Robin Hood and Maid Marian
Pictured, from left, are Little John, Dr Moad Idrissi (Birmingham City Uni) Coun Keith Girling, Phil Hasted of Gooii, Ahmed Osman (Birmingham City Uni) Robin Hood and Maid Marian

The £10m trial - which also covers area around the forest, including Rufford Abbey - has been part-funded by the government's Rural Connected programme.

It is hoped the 5G technology will help businesses in the area.

Birmingham City University has provided the site with the robot dog, which will collect data and upload it via the 5G connection.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If successful, the dog will gather data from areas that are usually inaccessible to help monitor and assess the health and condition of the forest environment.

‘ An Arrow Through Time’ has been described as the ‘world’s first ever interactive holographic movie’.

The production has been put together by project partner Gooii Ltd and features an exciting cast of actors, including Black Mirror’s Dominic Le Moignan, using a script co-written by Bafta award-winning CBBC writer and producer Nick Hutchings.

The move comes after Sherwood Forest tour guide Richard Townsley called for North Nottinghamshire to reclaim Robin Hood as its own – with much outlaw-related tourism activity focused on Nottingham, which he says the legendary outlaw never visited.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking from Rufford Mill at the launch event this week, Councillor Keith Girling, chairman of the county council’s economic development and asset management committee, said: “5G Connected Forest really is an exciting project and I am proud that Nottinghamshire is leading the way with these trials.

“An Arrow Through Time, brings local legends to life in a way never seen before.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience how amazing it is. I know others will love it too.

“It showcases our ongoing commitment to make Nottinghamshire an even more attractive place to visit thanks to the development of world-class visitor experiences such as this.”

Read More
Sheriff claims Mansfield area folk should claim Robin Hood legend as ‘their own’

Editor’s message: Support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe.