The historic parkland of Thoresby came alive this summer as the Sherwood Forest Trust hosted its much-loved Woodland Festival – a free, family-friendly celebration of nature, heritage and community spirit. There was something for everyone. Children learned to weave, listened to stories from the Wild Man of the Woods, and crafted their own leather bracelets. Visitors explored traditional woodworking, sampled wild-foraged syrups, joined sketch walks with artist Martin Clarkson and took part in foraging walks with Hannah Darcel of Kindful and Wild.
Throughout the day, relaxed conversations unfolded with local craftspeople and conservation groups. One visitor described the event as ‘a lovely calm happy atmosphere’, praising the kindness of stallholders and the warm welcome throughout the site. Another family spent over five hours at the festival, yet still felt they hadn’t seen it all – a testament to the sheer variety of activities and displays on offer.
More than 40 stallholders and activity providers took part, from skilled woodworkers to environmental organisations, alongside engaging performances and live demonstrations. The event was supported by dedicated volunteers, including the Notts 4×4 Response team, who ensured the smooth running of the weekend.
This year’s layout made full use of Thoresby’s sweeping lawns and leafy avenues, giving the festival a spacious and relaxed feel. While feedback will help shape future improvements, the overall response was overwhelmingly positive – with many already marking their calendars for next year.
Helen Sullivan, CEO of the Sherwood Forest Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to see how the Woodland Festival has become a much-loved event for the community. It’s wonderful to witness so many people coming together to celebrate nature, creativity and local heritage.
“The enthusiasm of our visitors, the passion of our stallholders and the dedication of our volunteers all contribute to making this festival such a special and welcoming experience. We look forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming even more people to enjoy all that Sherwood has to offer.”
The Sherwood Forest Trust Woodland Festival continues to grow as a highlight of the local events calendar, offering a unique blend of free entertainment, environmental education and traditional craft. It’s a place to spend the day learning, making, tasting and playing.