Annesley amble rolls back the centuries

Dave Wood, who is a poet and arts worker, is doing a 90-mile walk around an old perambulation route of the iconic forest, which was last carried out back in 1662.

At the end of the month, he will be in Annesley where people can join him on a walk and also take part in a creative writing workshop.

Stapleford-based Dave was inspired to find out more about the route after hearing a talk at Beeston Library and has received Lottery funding for the project.

He said: “My background is as a writer and a writer will pick up on a lot of things as inspiration.

“I will be working with people, talking to people, collecting stories and poems.

“It also means I can produce my own work and see bits of Nottinghamshire I had never heard of.”

Dave began his walk at Victoria Embankment in the city and on 29th August he will be walking with members of the ACCESS (Annesley Community Committed to Sustainable Settlements) group from Linby Cross (close to the Horse and Groom) at midday to Annesley Church.

Walkers should arrive at 11.45am, wear walking shoes and bring refreshments.

The following day there will be a creative workshop at the Acacia Centre between 1pm to 3.50pm and refreshments will be available.

There will also be a walk starting at Annesley Church at 3.45pm and finishing at the same venue.

It will feature various sites of interest, including Castle Hill and Little Oak Plantation and there will be an opportunity to find out about trees, animals and flowers in the area.

In the evening, there will be refreshments at the Forest Tavern from 8pm.

And as part of the project, Dave wants to encourage schools and community groups to plant new trees.

He says: “The original Sherwood Forest wasn’t all pure forestation and there were open areas where people lived.

“One of the things about this perambulation is that it will be nice for people to re-plant some trees.”

For details on Dave’s walk visit www.creativesherwoodforestperambulations.blogspot.com or email [email protected].

For details on the Annesley walk, workshop or evening the Forest Tavern, email Russell Lathall at [email protected].