Sherwood Forest has celebrated its first dedicated day marking the area’s historical and cultural significance after a successful motion from the local MP.
The launch marks the first-ever Sherwood Forest Day, celebrating the history, culture, and natural beauty of Sherwood Forest to put the constituency on the map.
The idea for the marked day was officially proposed in an Early Day Motion (EDM) submitted by Sherwood Forest Labour MP, Michelle Welsh, in Parliament in November 2024.
It called for Sherwood Forest to be recognised, with local councillors, organisations, and volunteers all working together to bring the day to life.
The EDM was co-drafted with Richard Townsley, a local volunteer, and has had the backing of 10 MPs in the chamber.
February 20 also marks the anniversary of the birth of Major Hayman Rooke in 1723, after whom the Major Oak at Edwinstowe is named.
The Early Day Motion reads: “Sherwood Forest is a national environmental, cultural, and heritage asset, and its fame across the world is due to its close association with the legendary outlaw hero Robin Hood.”
Speaking at an event today, the Sherwood Forest MP said she feels “incredibly proud” of the day being formally recognised.
Ms Welsh said: “We have everything to be proud of in Nottinghamshire, and here in my constituency – we have the beating heart of Sherwood Forest.”
The MP hopes the day can expand in future years to “help people explore the forest through various activities, launching various events where the whole community can come together.”
Andy Gaunt, Director of Mercian Archaeological Services CIC, called Sherwood Forest the “green heart of England.”
He said: “This part of the world is in the middle of the country, it’s a long way from London, a long way from the sea – it’s surrounded by other landscapes, and it can get overlooked.
“[But] it is somewhere people have dreamt about and imagined all over the world throughout history, and it’s something that, if you celebrate it and get involved in it, can help to engender a sense of pride.
“It can help to put us in the shop window again.”
Hollie Drake, RSPB’s senior site manager at the reserve, says the forest attracts around 350,000 visitors each year and thinks the day will help the area not lose its magic.
She said: “It’s about not losing that magic of the legend and the cultural history that this area is steeped in. Everyone wants to be Robin Hood.”
Ms Drake also hopes the newly marked day will show the public the conservation work that happens in the forest.
Richard Townsley volunteers at Sherwood Forest as the Medieval Sheriff of Nottingham.
He spoke of the original forest spanning from the city of Nottingham to where it stands today and added: “[The day] will hopefully celebrate the woods and woodland, that natural history, encouraging more tree planting and a greener environment – kind of rebuilding some of what we lost from the medieval forest.”
Mr Townsley added that “celebrating the outlaw [Robin Hood]” and figures who stand against authority is “not a bad thing.”
Robin Hood, from the Sherwood Outlaws, said that the day will allow the area’s legends to “live on through future generations.”
