Spotlight on Robin Hood in the run-up to the Major Oak Woodland Festival

This weekend, our famous outlaw Robin Hood will be making an appearance in the BBC television show Dr Who as Robot of Sherwood. Just a week later, Shewood Forest, which is celebrating 60 years of being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, will once again take centre stage as the Major Oak Woodland Festival gets underway. In today's guest blog, Deborah Hibbert from the Tourist Information Centre at Rufford Abbey, tells us more about the event and others planned for the Diamond Jubilee. It’s now 60 years since Sherwood Forest was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and in recognition of this milestone, there are a number of events taking place throughout the year celebrating the diversity of this amazingly wildlife rich area which was once said to be the hideout of Robin Hood. The highlight of the programme for many will be the first Major Oak Woodland Festival on 13th and 14th September. Come along to the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and have a go at various country crafts. Meet bodgers, charcoal producers, wood turners and many more traditional craftsmen as they demonstrate their skills. There will also be modern day forestry machinery demonstrations - but even more exciting will be the sight of the majestic Nornay Shire Horses showing how timber was extracted in times gone by. Other SSSI Diamond Jubilee events in September include a Bat Walk this Saturday at 8.30pm. Join a ranger on an evening walk along the paths of this ancient woodland. Learn more about the bats of Sherwood and their association with the world famous oaks. This walk must be pre-booked on (01623) 823202 and unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchairs. There will also be Nocturnal Nature event on Saturday 27th September which will see the rangers investigating the night time happenings in the forest. Join them to try and find the creatures who roam the dark woods after all the visitors have gone home. How many bats or badgers will you find? Places are limited so please ring to book on (01623) 823202. Look out for Robot Hood in the next episode of Dr Who on Saturday at 7.30pm on BBC1. Click here to see a preview.