Sherwood Forest, home to the legendary Robin Hood and one of the most well-known forests in the world, is about to get an RSPB-led makeover!
Around 350,000 people visit the world-famous Sherwood Forest country park each year. And we’re delighted to say, along with a selection of partners, we are the preferred bidder to design, build and operate a new visitor centre.
This also involves managing the stunning ancient woodland within the country park Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve (NNR). This includes the Major Oak – crowned England’s tree of the year in 2014, this 23-ton oak was, according to local folklore, Robin Hood’s shelter.
The Major Oak, Sherwood Forest.
We can’t do this alone, so we’re leading a group featuring Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate as part of a £5.3 million investment programme.
Once open during winter 2017, the brand-new visitor centre will provide superb facilities and inspire visitors to enjoy and celebrate Sherwood’s woodland, wildlife and heritage.
We’re now talking with Nottinghamshire County Council and we’re hopeful of signing final contracts around October. The County Council remains responsible for the current visitor facilities until the new visitor centre opens.
Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the RSPB and a really great opportunity to deliver a fantastic new facility at Sherwood Forest for people, communities and the forest.
"Our core charitable activity is all about managing landscapes for nature and engaging people - and we have a proven track record of delivering, to a high standard, exactly what is required from the Nottinghamshire County Council brief.
"I believe the RSPB, with its wider consortium, will be an excellent partner in this project, committed to delivering a long-term sustainable future for the National Nature Reserve and developing an exciting visitor experience for the people of Nottinghamshire and beyond."
We’ll keep you updated as work progresses, and we look forward to welcoming you to Sherwood Forest in the future.
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.