Sherwood: The Living Legend
Sherwood Forest is a Living Landmark and is one of the most famous forests in the world. It’s located at the heart of the United Kingdom between the major conurbations of Nottingham and Sheffield. Its association with the legend of Robin Hood places it firmly in the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
Click for map of towns & cities within one hours drive of Sherwood Forest
However, the Forest is no longer the majestic expanse of wood and heath land that it once was; it is now fragmented and underutilised.
The Forest has enormous potential and Big Lottery Fund investment in this unique national asset could realise the long-standing vision for this project 'Sherwood: The Living Legend' which is:
To transform Sherwood Forest into a world-class sustainable destination and inspirational community resource, within which current and future generations can live, learn, play and prosper.
Over 15 organisations in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire are working together to make this vision a reality.
Building on the legend and popularity of Robin Hood and Sherwood, the Living Legend project will be a catalyst for regeneration in the Sherwood area and a world-class visitor experience.
This unique project has several exciting components:
Heart of the Forest - a new visitor complex built with cutting-edge sustainable technologies which will be linked to the ancient forest by a tree top walkway. Learn about Robin Hood, ancient oaks, wood and heath land and find out where to go and what to see in the wider Sherwood area.
Access in and around Sherwood - 250 kilometres of walking, riding and cycling routes and arterial crossings, 95 kilometres of which is new will be linked to the national cycle network, 20 railway stations with access to the new visitor complex and local towns, villages and visitor attractions. This wide reaching network will connect Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Recreating the Forest - 300 hectares (400 football pitches!) of newly created forest to improve the look and feel of the area and restore wildlife habitat by returning the Forest to its former glory.
Sherwood: A sense of pride and place - Sherwood: The Living Legend is an opportunity to celebrate the unique character and local distinctiveness of the communities who live near the most famous forest in the world. The project will enable local people who live within the old forest area to enhance their towns and villages. The 50 schemes will vary from new community designed signs, to wildflower and tree planting, village walks and trails; to improving local arts and cultural facilities.
The project will enshrine four core values inspired by the legend of Robin Hood: championing the community; promoting sustainable living; capturing myths and magic and respecting the past to influence and inspire the future.
