Where Is Sherwood Forest?
Sherwood Forest lies in Nottinghamshire, in the East Midlands of England. The modern visitor area is centred around the village of Edwinstowe, which has strong associations with the Robin Hood legend.
Nearby towns include Mansfield and Worksop, while Nottingham lies further to the southwest. The forest landscape is relatively accessible from much of the Midlands, making it a popular destination for day trips.
Although visitors often speak of “Sherwood Forest” as though it refers to one continuous woodland, the historic forest was much larger and consisted of a mixture of woodland, heath, pasture and other landscapes.
The Legend of Robin Hood
Sherwood Forest’s worldwide fame is inseparable from Robin Hood. According to the traditional legend, Robin Hood was an outlaw who lived in the forest with his followers.
He is commonly portrayed as a skilled archer who robbed wealthy travellers and helped the poor. His companions include figures such as Little John, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian.
The stories developed over many centuries, and the Robin Hood of modern popular culture is a mixture of medieval ballads, later literature, theatre, films and television.
There may have been real medieval outlaws who contributed to the development of the Robin Hood tradition, but no single historical figure can confidently be identified as the complete Robin Hood of popular legend.
Robin Hood and the Major Oak
The Major Oak is perhaps the most famous tree in England associated with folklore. It stands within Sherwood Forest and is traditionally said to have provided shelter for Robin Hood and his followers.
Whether Robin Hood actually stood beneath the tree is impossible to establish. The age of the Major Oak also means that it would not have looked exactly as it does today during the period traditionally associated with Robin Hood.
Alas Major Oak is now nearing the end of his life. But he’s no less seen many adventures. And even he dies, the dead wood will continue to support insects, fungi and the ‘tree of life.
- As branches die and decay, fungi colonise the wood.
- Hollows develop in trunks and branches.
- Insects use the decaying timber.
- Birds and bats may use cavities for shelter.
- Mosses and lichens grow on the bark.
- This means an ancient oak can support an extraordinary variety of life.
