Bassetlaw Rural Conference, 25th March 2015

The work of the Sherwood Forest Trust

Dr Patrick Candler

www.sherwoodforest.org.uk

Our Mission

To champion the preservation, conservation, learning, enjoyment

and economic development of Sherwood Forest

how did Sherwood become a forest?“forest”

woodland + heath + grassland

The work we do• Habitat and landscape scale improvements

• Heritage and culture

• Education, outreach and training • Community – festivals and events

• Projects with partners – landowners, community organisations

• Economic development – support for Business Forum

• Tourism and visitor economy

• Strategic Development

What have we achieved?• £6m investment in Sherwood• 50 + projects supported• 600 landowners engaged• Land and habitat surveys and plans• Major public survey of Sherwood• St George’s Day Celebrations• Education and learning resources• 1000s of trees planted

Current projects• Big Tree Plant – 6,285 trees in 2014/15• Robin Hood Festival• Major Oak Woodland Festival• Oak Tree Heath – On Fire Project• Sparkling Sherwood• Discover King John’s Palace• Magna Carta• Landscape designs and plans

Future plans• Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre• Sherwood Centre for Environmental

Excellence• Nottinghamshire School’s Robin Hood

Day• New community engagement programme• LEADER support• Create Sherwood Forest Regional Park

What is Forest Heathland?

Forest heathland flora

Forest heathland biodiversity

Forest heathland biodiversity

Why forest heathland management?

• Increasing diversity of plants and animals

• Protecting ancient ecosystems

• Recreating the extent of Sherwood Forest

• Safeguarding rare invertebrate species

• Providing tranquil spaces for humans

• Combining traditional methods with modern practices

Our benefits

Ways to support us

Community Rangers

Guided visitsVolunteeringFriends of groupsWildlife surveysEducational visits

Community Heritage Projects

Heritage through storiesArchive photographyWalking trail guidesDramatic re-enactmentWeb pages

Become a member

Acorn Supporter

Sapling Supporter

Oak Supporter (supports 1/4 Ha. of landscape work)

Veteran Supporter (supports 1 Ha. of landscape work)

Any questions?

Thank you for listening