Latest news
The UK says “We love trees!”
Updated on: 28 September 2007
We’re a nation of tree huggers a new UK wide public opinion survey by the Forestry Commission has revealed.
Austin Brady is the Forestry Commission’s Regional Director for East Midlands and Chair of the Sherwood: the Living Legend Partnership - and he’s a man who knows a thing a two about trees.
Austin, says: “These recent statistics from the Forestry Commission stand Sherwood Forests lottery bid in good stead. Trees, woodlands – big, natural outdoor spaces mean a lot to people. You’ll struggle to find a better example of outstanding natural beauty than the veteran oaks at Sherwood. If our bid is successful we’ll be expanding Sherwood, creating another 300 hectares, or 400 football pitches of new forest to stitch the ancient, fragmented greenwood back together again.”
Here’s some of what the Forestry Commission have found out:
- 71% of people would like to see more woodland in their part of the country, a significantly higher proportion than in 2003 (67%) or 2005 (65%).
- 68% of woodland visitors had been to a woodland or forest at least once a month in the summer of 2006 (up from 60% in the 2005 survey). 40% visited at least once a month in the winter of 2006/07 (up from 28% in the 2005 survey).
- 94% of people said Woodlands in the UK are an important part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage
- 94% of people said woodlands allow families to learn about nature 93% said woodlands play an important role in children’s and young people’s outdoor learning experience
- 92% said trees and woods make towns and cities more attractive places to live, work and bring up families
- 85% said it is important to have a say in what happens in your local woodland
- 85% said woodlands are places to reduce stress and anxiety
- 78% said woodlands are places to exercise and keep fit
- 66% said woodlands are good places to meet with friends and family
- 61% said woodlands in the UK are important in helping people to earn a living or make ends meet.
Austin continues: “Let’s hope the British public’s love of Forests translates in to votes in December when we have a one-off opportunity to secure £50m of BIG Lottery Funding through the People’s Millions Living Landmarks programme for Sherwood Forest. To register your support and find out more visit www.robinhood.co.uk/pledge
For further information on research by the Forestry Commission visit www.forestry.gov.uk
News archive
December 2007
November 2007
Paul Cook - Senior Ranger
Now Paul is in the middle of one of the most demanding challenges he has faced as a key member of the team fighting to win the People’s £50 Million Lottery contest.
Updated on: 16 November 2007
Wildlife Trust and Local Brewery team up to support Sherwood Forest’s ‘stout’ oaks in Lottery Vote
Updated on: 9 November 2007
October 2007
‘Robin’s alive!’ - Brian Blessed speaks out (loudly) for Sherwood Forest
Updated on: 26 October 2007
Sherwood Forest’s one in four shot at lottery millions – the future of Robin Hood’s forest is in your hands!
Updated on: 23 October 2007
September 2007
The UK says “We love trees!”
A new UK wide public opinion survey by the Forestry Commission.
Updated on: 28 September 2007
August 2007
Robin Hood Festival – visitor numbers reach 10 year high!
Over 75,000 visitors enjoyed the festival last week!
Updated on: 7 August 2007
July 2007
Sherwood’s future on display at Robin Hood Festival
70,000 visitors asked to pledge support for Sherwood: the Living Legend
Updated on: 25 July 2007
May 2007
April 2007
Help Sherwood Forest get minted?
Design a living legend coin for the Robin Hood Festival!
Updated on: 20 April 2007
Find out more about proposals for Sherwood Forest visitor complex
Edwinstowe Library from Monday 9 April 2007
Updated on: 4 April 2007
Vote for Sherwood Forest on UKTV History!
Vote Sherwood Forest as Britain’s best historical site.
Updated on: 2 April 2007
March 2007
January 2007
Sherwood Forest's amazing new tree
New visitor complex capturing the spirit of Sherwood Forest
Updated on: 16 January 2007
