Step into Sherwood Voices – a series of six audio walks written and directed by Excavate’s Andy Barrett, and led by Sherwood people who invite listeners to take an audio-guided tour of Robin Hood country.
Episodes feature personal stories, experiences, and points of view from people who live in the Sherwood Forest area to inspire people to visit and explore the heart of Nottinghamshire.
Download and stream full audio walks for free at www.inspireculture.org.uk and access the Sherwood Voices booklet online or pick up a copy at RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe, Dynamo Café in Bestwood, Calverton and Clipstone Libraries, Lifespring Church in Ollerton, The Welfare Community Centre in Newstead and Nottingham Tourism and Travel Centre in Nottingham city centre.
The walks have been created through conversation with people from across the Sherwood Forest area. Alongside storytellers, you can hear from shepherds, anglers, undertakers, park rangers, vicars, schoolchildren, and many others. The location of each walk spans across Bestwood, Calverton, Clipstone, Edwinstowe, Newstead and Ollerton; each with their own story to tell. The walks respond to the sights and sounds that visitors will come across on their journey, and delve into the past, the present and something of the future of their location.
Edith’s story in Edwinstowe digs deep into the magic and history of the forest as Edith looks back on her life. The walk starts at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and follows the Major Oak trail, visiting various stops, and then detours to the cricket ground. It then heads into the village to Thoresby Colliery Memorial, into the church and eventually finishes back at the Charter Pole. Audio plays at the stops, and sometimes as the walk progresses.
The storyteller in Ollerton is Sophie, a young woman grappling to understand her place in a town her family has long called home. She introduces five stories that move through the years of coal mining, and you hear from those who work with the local community now. This is a rich exploration of the past, present and future of Ollerton. This walk is around three miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. It starts and ends near the Hop Pole in old Ollerton.
Sherwood Voices is led by Excavate and supported by Inspire, Miner2Major, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.