Celebrating remarkable women at Sherwood Forest this March as well as stargazing, nature walks and craft events

There is a lot to do this month as Sherwood Forest celebrates International Women’s Day, holds a stargazing evening, nature walks and craft events.

Shedding light on the lives of remarkable Medieval women will be historian Sharon Bennett-Connolly — who has written several books about the Middle Ages and publishes the History - The Interesting Bits blog — will be one of the guest speakers at a free event on Saturday, March 11.

She will be giving a a talk based on the subject of her critically-acclaimed book, Ladies of Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta of 1215 remains one of the most significant developments in the creation of the rights and liberties we still enjoy in Britain today.

Sharon, a Fellow of Royal Historical Society, said: “There were so many women who influenced the clauses of Magna Carta and the civil war which surrounded its creation.

"There were even more women who were able to use Magna Carta to protect their own rights.”

Sharon’s talk will begin at 12.45pm. That morning, at 11.30am, Dr Louise Gentle of Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, will be talking about her career in conservation alongside RSPB Site Manager for Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest, Chloe Ryder.

An exhibition highlighting the achievements of some of the women who shaped Sherwood will also be held on March 11.

Throughout the day, members of The Sherwood Outlaws performing theatre group will deliver have-a-go archery and storytelling sessions.

There will also be a Medieval weapons display and a guided walk with Maid Marian available to book.

Other highlights throughout March include a stargazing event on March 18, hosted by the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society.

The following day, on March 19, there will be a guided Spring In Your Step Walk in the morning highlighting the natural transformations.

There will also be a Mothers Day Crafternoon, featuring craft activities and an afternoon tea as well as the option of a guided walk through the forest's ancient oaks.

Finally there will be a guided walk which tells the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, a 12th century Queen of England and the mother of Richard the Lionheart

To find out more or to book ticket for any of the events, go to the Visit Sherwood website.