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Top 10  Astonishing  Facts about the Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest which is located in Nottinghamshire, England is a Royal forest. The forest was declared to be a Royal forest because of its association with the legend of Robin Hood. The forest spans 1,049 acres and it has been wooded since the last glacial period.
Additionally, the forest is a National Nature Reserve and it was part of a larger and older Royal hunting forest. This article provides the reader with ten facts that will provide more insight into the Royal forest.

1. There are over 900 trees in the forest

Sherwood Forest boasts of more than 900 trees which are more than 600 years old. The trees have been able to survive for such a long time because cutting down trees is prohibited in Sherwood Forest. If one is caught, they face prison or pay a huge fine. This policy ensures that rare species of trees are protected.

2. The Major Oak at Sherwood Forest

The major oak is an iconic feature of Sherwood Forest. The tree is associated with the legend of Robin Hood as it is believed that Hood went to hide in the oak. Therefore, this attracts tourists to the forest as they want to see the tree that is talked about so much.

Additionally, the true age of the Major Oak is not known but it can be estimated to be between 800 to 1100 years. This is because the tree has been around through the time of the Vikings, the battle of Hastings, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Darwin, Newton and even the two world wars. The tree is also the biggest in Britain and thus making it popular among tourists.

3. A part of the forest is a nature reserve

The forest is a National Nature Reserve and also a protected site of special scientific interest. The reserve hosts the highest concentration of ancient trees. This gives researchers the ideal opportunity to explore plant life in an undisturbed habitat.
Additionally, the reserve is home to 200 types of spiders and more than 1500 species of beetles. This means that the researchers can get a lot of information on plant and animal life.

4. Sherwood Forest has an arts and craft centre in the middle of the forest

There is an arts and crafts centre in the middle of Sherwood Forest. The crafts centre features traditional crafts for instance glass making, soap making and wildlife photography. This is a unique way of showcasing the culture to visitors. Additionally, the crafts centre is a source of income in that the people making the pieces will sell them to visitors and thus earn some money.

5. The Robin Hood festival is held at Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest hosts the Robin Hood Festival each year. This festival features the medieval style of music and dancing, jousting, archery demonstrations and costumed historical characters. It is a good way to bring the community together as they will be interacting while enjoying the festival.

Families with children can bond as they partake in the different activities available at the festival. Furthermore, the festival is a great way to equip children with knowledge of how life was in medieval times and the culture and traditions available.

6. The forest was once among the largest Royal forests

Sherwood Forest was part of a royal hunting ground established by the king. Only the king and other nobility like the Archbishop of York were allowed to do hunting in the forest. Parts of the forest were acquired by nobility and were divided into four estates which include, Clumber, Thoresby, Worksop and Welbeck. These areas also have a lot of heritage attractions that visitors can visit.

7. Accommodation when visiting Sherwood Forest

There are a variety of accommodation options available for visitors going to Sherwood Forest. There are lodges, cabins and treehouses found close to the tourist attraction site. This means that the visitor can choose an option that will suit them. Tourists who travel with children can get a place that will fit them comfortably.

8. Sherwood Forest visitors centre

The visitor centre provides important information to the tourist on how to go about the forest. A tourist can get brochures on the different facilities found at the attraction site which will be critical in deciding what to visit. Additionally, the tourist can ask for a tour guide who will show them around the historic site.

Furthermore, the visitor centre offers a safe location for a visitor to park their car and also do some shopping as it has shops. A cafe is also found at this place and thus gives the visitors a chance to catch up while eating.

9. Hiking trails in Sherwood Forest

The forest has several hiking trails that nature enthusiasts can try. There is the Major Oak trail which spans 1.5 miles and it takes approximately 45 minutes to hike. The trail goes through the iconic major oak and takes the hiker back to the visitor centre.
Other trails include the Giants Trails which is 0.75 miles and the Greenwood Trail which is 2 miles. This trail showcases the beautiful landscape found at Sherwood Forest. Another trail is the Whirlwoood Trail which is perfect for adventurers as they can experience different habitats like heathland and wood pasture.

10. Archaeologists found evidence of a ‘thing site’

Some local archaeologists found evidence of a thing site in the forest. Thyng means hill of assembly in that the Vikings used to converge at that site. The disputes could be resolved here. This is how community relations and community development were fostered. Therefore, the finding is critical to society in that members of the public can emulate how the Vikings use to resolve issues and ensure that their dealings with other members of the society are mutually benefic