Plan unveiled for Sherwood Forest heritage project

A project that has won National Lottery funding to preserve and celebrate Sherwood Forest is to concentrate on four key areas, it has been announced.
The Robin Hood statue at Sherwood Forest.The Robin Hood statue at Sherwood Forest.
The Robin Hood statue at Sherwood Forest.

Nottinghamshire County Council was awarded £2.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) earlier this year for its ‘Miner To Major: The Real Sherwood Forest’ scheme.

Now the council has decided that the main focus will be on these four strands:

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CELEBRATE SHERWOOD -- a programme of events and activities celebrating the landscape and heritage of Sherwood Forest, leading to opportunities for volunteering and learning.

SKILFUL SHERWOOD -- practical opportunities for people to learn, volunteer and develop skills, providing training, addressing skills gaps and managing the landscape long term.

CONNECTING SHERWOOD -- recruiting and training volunteers to support the restoration and enhancement of the landscape, improving access and signage.

UNDERSTANDING SHERWOOD -- practical opportunities and training for local people to investigate, record and explain their heritage.

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All four areas are aimed at giving people the skills and knowledge to look after the forest through restoring vital heathland, protecting and conserving ancient trees and researching projects that map its history over the past 100 years.

Coun John Cottee, of the council, said: “These are exciting times for Sherwood Forest. The scheme will boost the local economy by linking with other investment and projects, including the visitor centre at Sherwood Forest Country Park.

“This will further celebrate Sherwood Forest’s heroes and villains, including the most famous legend of them all, Robin Hood.”

A manager for the whole project will be recruited in the new year.

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Jonathan Platt, head of the HLF in the East Midlands, said: “This project will regenerate a key historic site and provide opportunities for local people to enjoy heritage, develop their skills and get involved in the forest’s future.”