The Major Oak - Sherwood Forest - Edwinstowe

Sam Roebuck

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This walk starts at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, near Edwinstowe. There's plenty here to keep the kids occupied, Robin Hood being the predictable draw. For adults, there's bags of information about the local flora and fauna and the history of this very ancient piece of woodland.

Once you venture out into Sherwood Forest itself, it becomes apparent just how old the woodland is, when you see the ancient oak trees dotted about. The king of them all is undoubtedly the 800-year-old Major Oak, our next stop along the way. Admittedly, it's being kept healthy (and producing acorns!) with plenty of help and TLC from the local Foresters, but when you consider it looked after itself quite successfully for all but the last twenty years or so, it's clear that this is a remarkable tree.

Onwards through the woods and you may be fortunate enough to spot English Longhorn Cattle grazing in a specially set-up enclosure. If not, don't despair - there's plenty of wildlife to see here. A burgeoning grey squirrel population are the most apparent, but a fox ambled across the track right in front of me and there are also reputed to be various species of deer.

Eventually we leave Sherwood Forest to pass the impressive Archway House. This magnificent building was built by the 4th Duke of Portland in 1844.

Lastly, we walk back through Edwinstowe to the start.

Dog owners: there are no stiles at all on the route, but in the interests of wildlife please control your dog in Sherwood Forest.

For a shorter version of this walk, see Walk 4291.

England - Central England - Nottinghamshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Nature Trail, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Wildlife, Woodland

12/9/2023 - Ken & Lynne Allan

The Visitor Centre and carpark on this walk has been closed down and moved to new facilities closer to Edwinstow but still on Swinecote Road. The car park is opposite Forest Corner Road. A brand new visitor centre has been built next to the cricket ground. All these facilities are now managed by the RSPB. The start point for this walk is closer to WP17. Parking charges £5 for the day, payable on automated machines.

9/4/2011 - Robert Greybrook