The Sherwood Forest Trust is a Nottinghamshire charity with a mission to conserve the wood and heathland of historic Sherwood Forest (www.sherwoodforesttrust.org.uk). They have two events coming up:
Major Oak Woodland Festival
17th to 18th June, Sherwood Forest
Enjoy outdoor family fun and celebrate all things woody at The Major Oak Woodland Festival at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, NG21 9RN.
Watch craft demos, ‘have a go’ at traditional woodland skills. Listen to stories. Browse and buy from trader’s stalls. Admire the ancient oaks – many over 500 years old and a vital home to a host of birds, bugs, bats and fungi.
All set in the leafy groves of Robin Hood’s legendary home.
Entry is free, although there is a small parking charge.
Spirit of Wartime Sherwood
13th to 14th May, Thoresby Park
The event marks the end of a three-year National Lottery Heritage Fund project focused on the impact of World War II on Sherwood Forest’s landscape and communities. It will feature representatives from local heritage organisations as well as re-enactors and exhibitors from across the country sharing the history of WWII.
It will be a family-friendly day out, learning about local and military history, engaging with plenty of vehicles and objects to see and people keen to share their knowledge with visitors. There will be a large exhibition in the Riding Hall focused on the project’s outcomes, including archaeology, oral history, education sessions and tourism promotion. Thoresby Courtyard is also the home of the Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum and their recently restored Conqueror tank.
Thoresby Park was used by the War Office during WWII for military purposes throughout the War. Many oral history sessions have captured positive memories of the War: people remembering the camaraderie, dances, music and adventures.
The Trust is keen to hear from anyone who would like to share their own memories, or those passed down to them by family members, of the War era in Sherwood Forest to add to their research. If you have a story to share or would like more information about the project, get in touch at susie.johns@sherwoodforesttrust.org.uk.