Natural Beauty

If asked, the one thing that people most associate with Nottinghamshire is Sherwood Forest – and Robin Hood of course! Although changed in parts since it was a royal hunting ground protected by strict ‘Forest Law’, there are still many beautifully conserved areas of woodland that can be accessed freely. Each site has something unique to offer; whether your interest is cycling, walking, bird watching or even swinging from ropes between the trees. There are also some newly developed areas of woodland, created for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors. It is hoped that in time Sherwood Forest will become a Regional Park, and a programme of reforestation is already underway, returning many areas to the heath and birch landscape that used to be typical of the area.

BOUGHTON BRAKE

This 123-acre area of community woodland is managed by the Friends of Boughton Brake (FUBB) who, over the years, have carried out
wide-ranging environmental improvements to the wood – putting up nest boxes, planting broadleaf trees and creating minihabitats, including ponds, which are now teeming with wildlife. One major achievement has been the creation of the Whitewater Trail – a surfaced path suitable for wheelchairs.

	Location: Boughton, OS grid reference: SK668693. Access is adjacent to Boughton Pumping Station (also named Blackburn House). Boughton Pumping Station is signposted from New Ollerton, postcode: NG22 9HQ. Parking is available opposite the building and is free of charge
	Contact: more information, including details of walking routes, can be obtained by contacting Kath Parkes at FUBB on: 01623 863413

OLLERTON PIT WOODS

Planted by the Forestry Commission on the site of the former
colliery spoil heap, Ollerton Pit Woods have become a focus for
local groups and individuals who want to engage with their
environment. Walking along the marked paths you will see some of
the projects that the local community has been involved with over
the last few years, such as the creation of butterfly glades. The
rangers run an excellent programme of events and information is
often posted on the boards at the entrance.

	Location: New Ollerton, OS grid reference: SK667673. Access is from Newark Road. Parking is free of charge
	Contact: for more information about Ollerton Pit Woods and the programme of events please contact the Sherwood Forest Community Rangers on: 01623 822447

SHERWOOD HEATH

A local Nature Reserve and SSSI, Sherwood Heath is part of the historic royal hunting forest of Sherwood’s ancient heathland. It is a vital habitat for some of the rarest plants and creatures that are specially adapted to survive on the nutrient-poor, acidic, sandy soils. Flora and fauna that were in decline are now managed by The Sherwood Forest Trust, who are restoring traditional heathland species and controlling invasive birch and bracken. Sherwood Heath is a delightful place to explore and discover the fascinating heritage of the Sherwood Forest area.

	Location: New Ollerton, OS grid reference: SK650675. Access is via the entrance to the Ollerton Tourist Information Centre car park at Ollerton Roundabout, postcode: NG22 9DR. Parking is free of charge
	Contact: for more information about the heath’s restoration and the programme of events please contact the Sherwood Forest Community Rangers on: 01623 822447

SHERWOOD PINES FOREST PARK

Sherwood Pines Forest Park, owned and managed by the Forestry Commission, is the place to experience outdoor adventure. Waymarked routes are set out for walkers and cyclists, which pass through the conifers and heathland and a good selection of bikes can be hired from the cycle centre. For more information about cycling in the park, see page 46. The visitor centre includes a recently refurbished café with a decking terrace and there is a newly-built ‘mushroom’ adventure playground for children. In addition Go Ape! provides high-wire aerial thrills through the trees (pre-booking is essential).

Location: Kings Clipstone, OS grid reference: SK612637. The main entrance and visitor centre (postcode: NG21 9JL) is situated off the B6030 between Kings Clipstone and Ollerton. There may be a small charge for car parking

VICAR WATER COUNTRY PARK

This award-winning 80-hectare country park, developed partly on the spoil heaps of the former colliery at Clipstone, offers visitors a great range of walking routes to suit all abilities. Most paths are made from compacted red ash and many are suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. At the heart of the reserve is a lake (Vicar Pond), which was created by the Victorians for fishing. In the early 1900s it was also a popular bathing and boating spot for the local community and soldiers from the army camp. Today the lake attracts wildlife as well as anglers and birdwatchers. The visitor centre, run by a community project, provides an ideal opportunity for refreshment.

Location: Clipstone, OS grid reference: 588627. The main entrance is signposted from Mansfield Road B6030, opposite Clipstone Social Club. The park is open from dawn to dusk

Contact: Newark and Sherwood District Council, tel: 01636 655711. For more information, pick up the ‘Vicar Water Country Park’ leaflet from tourist information centres

SHERWOOD FOREST NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

In 2002, Sherwood Forest Country Park became a National Nature Reserve in recognition of the rarity of its ancient oaks and the ecosystem they support. In fact, there has been woodland continuously present here since the ice age. The site attracts thousands of people each year who come to visit the famous Major Oak, the legendary hiding place of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Estimated to be nearly a thousand years old, it is one of the largest oaks in the country – the trunk having a girth of 10 metres and a branch spread of 28 metres. However, though famous, Robin Hood’s favourite tree is not the only old oak still standing at the reserve today – there are around 900 that are over 600 years old and many have twisted into interesting shapes. The reserve has over 450 acres of ancient woodland to explore, comprising native oak, birch, rowan, holly and hawthorn trees, providing a wonderful habitat for a variety of rare wildlife – there are 1500 species of beetle and 200 species of spider present. Waymarked and surfaced routes guide the visitor around the site and are suitable for all ages and abilities. There is also a visitor centre, shops, an adventure playground, activity centre and café. In the near future, a new visitor centre will be built outside of the boundary of the reserve so that the site can be entirely restored to nature.

	Location: Edwinstowe, OS grid reference: 626677. The visitor centre (postcode: NG21 9HN) is signposted from the village. A car parking charge is applied at certain times during the year
	Contact: Nottinghamshire County Council, tel: 01623 823202 or visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/leisure/countryparks

DUKE’S WOOD NATURE RESERVE

The 20-acre Duke’s Wood Nature Reserve, owned by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, is home to a wonderful array of plants and creatures, such as the interestingly named wildflowers yellow archangel and broad leaved helleborine. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and a variety of species can be found. The woodland, consisting of mainly oak, ash, hazel and beech trees is a haven for birds and is occasionally visited by red deer, stoats and badgers. The reserve also holds an unusual secret – it was the site of the first onshore oilfield in Britain.

	Location: Eakring, OS grid reference: 677602. The entrance to Duke’s Wood is off the minor road to Eakring which leaves the A617 near Kirklington, where there is a small car park
	Contact: if you are interested in this reserve or the other reserves managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, tel: 0115 958 8242 or visit their website: www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/nottinghamshire