Sherwood Forest history through the ages

This weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October, Sherwood Forest Country Park will celebrate the history and heritage of this world famous place by hosting a ‘Sherwood through the Ages’ event. Forever associated with Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest has a played an important part in history, much broader than in medieval times. From Copper Age man to the Romans, Saxons and Normans, you’ll get the low down on life in the early forest. You’ll also find a strong military presence as the region was central in the English Civil War and even modern army training. This weekend, there’ll be re-enactors demonstrating shelter building, period costumes, cooking, combat displays, have a go archery and military displays with many things to see and do. Take the timeline trail from the visitor centre to discover 14 periods of Sherwood Forest’s history. Taking you on a one mile circular route from the main facilities down to the famous Major Oak and back again, the different historical themes will decorate the route as you make your way around. Highlights include:

• shelter building by Copper Age man
• Roman, Saxon and Norman traditional camps
• Civil War soldiers
• 18 century music and highwaymen
• military displays and re-enactments
• stalls selling medieval bracelets, beads and toy bows and arrows

The event, now in its sixth year, has a developing reputation, attracting over 4,000 visitors last year. It’s a welcome celebration of the forest’s history which is much more than Robin Hood. The 450 acre country park and National Nature Reserve is also a Site of Specific Scientific Importance (SSSI) given the special habitat that the ancient oak trees create for wildlife. It’s carefully managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and Natural England. The massive major Oak itself is estimated to be over 800 years old and many more of some of the oldest trees in Europe can be found on the reserve. The once mighty forest stretched from Nottingham to Worksop and over the years this has meant the fragmentation of woodland areas and country parks. This emerging event is super way to unearth the great history of Sherwood Forest and celebrate a living English legend. Sherwood Forest Country Park, Edwinstowe, 1-2 October 2011, 11am to 4pm Free event (car parking charge £3)