The Sherwood Forest Trust has recently been touched by the kindness and generosity of two very special people and their families.
They were honoured to receive a legacy gift from the late Barbara Overton, who kindly remembered the Trust in her will. Her thoughtful gift will help the charity continue their work protecting ancient woodland, supporting local wildlife, and passing on the heritage of Sherwood Forest to future generations.
They were also deeply moved to learn that, at the funeral of Melvin Flint, a collection was taken in aid of the Sherwood Forest Trust. The generosity of Melvin’s family and friends at such a difficult time is truly humbling. This kindness will make a real difference to ongoing conservation projects and community engagement work across Sherwood.
Melvin Flint brought together Rotary clubs from across the district in 1998 to begin the creation of a new woodland, Rotary Wood, as part of a Millennium project. Sherwood Forest Trust were called in to provide expertise and materials. Melvin chaired the committee for nearly three years, guiding fundraising and volunteers who worked hard to plant thousands of young trees, including one very special clone of the Major Oak. Thanks to Melvin’s hard work and dedication, Rotary Wood has grown into a thriving part of Sherwood Heath, managed by Sherwood Forest Trust, and a place for nature and for people to enjoy.
In memory of both Barbara and Melvin, the Trust will be gifting young Oak trees to their families to stand as living reminders of their loved ones. These special trees have been lovingly grown in the charity’s Community Tree Nursery from seeds of local native trees, collected by Tree Nursery Officer, Izzy Pass. The trees are nurtured by Izzy and a team of brilliant volunteers until strong enough to plant out.
Helen Sullivan, CEO of the Sherwood Forest Trust, shared: “We are deeply grateful to the families of Barbara Overton and Melvin Flint. Their generous support is a touching tribute to two remarkable individuals and will play a vital role in preserving the special heritage and landscape of Sherwood Forest for future generations.”
Festive events
This winter, the Sherwood Forest Trust is inviting local people to step outdoors and celebrate the season with a programme of festive events. The charity will be hosting a series of guided winter walks across Sherwood Heath and nearby landscapes, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in its quietest season. A highlight will be the Christmas Eve Walk, a guided route through Sherwood Heath, Cockglode, and Thoresby Vale – a perfect way to start the festivities.
In the run-up to Christmas, the Trust will also be running popular wreath-making workshops at the Sherwood Seedbank, their community tree nursery. Using local and foraged greenery, participants will create their own wreaths to take home, while enjoying festive music, refreshments, and good cheer. By taking part, visitors will also be supporting the Trust’s ongoing work to protect, restore and celebrate the legendary Sherwood landscape.
Full dates and booking details will be available via the Sherwood Forest Trust website (http://www.sherwoodforest.org.uk) and social media channels.