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Kevin Costner’s message for Sherwood

Updated on: 4 December 2007

Just four days after British heartthrob Jonas Armstrong beseeched the public to help save Sherwood Forest, Kevin Costner himself has pledged his allegiance to the Living Legend’s bid to win £50 million in the Peoples Millions contest next week.

The most famous actor to have played Robin Hood in the last 25 years said in an email to Jeannie Packer – the current Sheriff of Nottingham:

Sherwood Forest was a name I learned as a little boy. The surprise was being able to play the character Robin Hood. We know the legend and idea of Sherwood Forest. If the legend is real - if this forest is real, it is worth saving and preserving.

Costner learned of the project from Robin Hood (aka Ade Andrews of Sherwood Forest Trust) who penned an Old English poem to his Californian ‘alter ego’ just a few weeks ago. Robin’s message, supported by a letter from the Sheriff, was sent to Kevin in Burbank California.

Costner could also have been prompted by the attention Sherwood is currently receiving in the American media.

Jeannie Packer says: “I’m delighted Mr Costner is supporting Sherwood and hope that all his UK fans will join him in voting by phone or email as soon as possible.

“I was hoping he would reply as he’s currently filming Swing Vote – it’s all about an ordinary man whose single vote can swing the whole USA presidential election result.

“Well, that’s exactly what we’re saying to the British public – please vote for Sherwood. It will only take you a minute to register and vote online at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk or a few pence to make a phone call, but it could be that one vote that makes us win.

“What’s more Kevin’s new film is being produced by Treehouse Films and Robin Jonas! – it’s got to be a good omen!”

If Sherwood: The Living Legend is successful in the Big Lottery’s Peoples 50Million Contest the £prize money will pay for a world class sustainable visitor centre and will help restore the forest to its former glory by replanting 250,000 trees. Hundreds of small communities and 20 towns and cities in the North Midlands will be connected by a 300km network of traffic free footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths – creating one of the largest single traffic free networks in Europe.

The visitor centre, the delights of the forest, the new routes and the manifold health benefits of outdoor exercise will be free for all – a gesture that would have found approval with egalitarian Robin Hood.

Costner who remains a firm favourite with millions of women across the world, filmed scenes in Sherwood Forest and visited the city of Nottingham during the filming in 1991. His Father, Lord Locksley, was played by Brian Blessed – Sherwood’s Champion in the forthcoming ITV programme to be screened at 11pm on Wednesday 5 December.