Nottinghamshire fans of popular BBC1 antiques show ‘Bargain Hunt’ are in for an extra treat on Friday 15th October, when the show comes to Sherwood Forest.
Back in summer, Edwinstowe Historical Society was asked by the BBC to help presenter Natasha Raskin Sharp find out about the historic forest, its famous oaks, and why oak has for centuries been chosen to make fine furniture.
The Sherwood Forest Trust, a Nottinghamshire charity with a mission to restore, conserve and celebrate the world-famous woodland, offered to help introduce viewers to the wonders of Sherwood.
Filming took place under the Major Oak, within Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve, by permission of the RSPB who these days manage the forest and care for the famous tree.
Former Sherwood Forest Trust employee Ian Major, interviewed on camera by Natasha, pointed out that the Major Oak – said to be 1000 years old – had lived through the reign of 41 British monarchs.
He filled her in with some fascinating facts, such as the mighty tree’s ‘vital statistics’ – 10 metres in circumference and weighing an estimated 23 tons. And Natasha found out how Sherwood changed from the exclusive playground of playboys and aristocrats to the today’s precious green oasis for nature and leisure.
Ian – himself a keen green woodworker and forest ‘bodger’ – then explained that oak has for centuries supplied the wood for everything from furniture to warships. Over 6000 oaks helped to build Nelson’s ‘Victory’ for example.
The Bargain Hunt episode airs on BBC1 Friday 15th October 2021 at 12.15 It can also be seen on iPlayer up to 30 days afterwards.
