Sherwood Forest Trust hosts successful acorn hunt towards oak tree project

Around 10,000 acorns were collected by by volunteers as part of long-term plans for a new generation of Sherwood Forest oak trees.

Conversation and heritage charity Sherwood Forest Trust organised the acorn hunt earlier this week.

The target was to collect 8,000, but the 149 volunteers collected about 10,000.

The acorns will be taken to the Community Tree Nursery, which the trust has set up to plant, tend and grow into saplings.

Emma, who led the hunt, said: ‘We expected a few families to give us a hand, but in the end 149 people ­— from tots to grandparents­ — came over to help.

"It’s great that so many, especially youngsters, care about trees.

“Growing and planting trees helps tackle climate change, and boost wildlife.

“A mature oak tree supports over 200 different species ­— from fungi, bats and birds to beetles, spiders and butterflies.

"It’s important we look after the veteran oaks of Sherwood Forest and plant new trees for a greener future."

The half-term acorn hunt took place with permission of RSPB, which manages the Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve.

Collecting acorns or any other natural material from a Site of Special Scientific Interest is only allowed with special permission.

The trust obtained all the permissions needed to host the hunt and welcomed families and friends to the activity.

They are currently working on the Community Tree Nursery, very close to Sherwood Pines, to fill containers with soil and planting the acorn seeds.

They will grow into saplings and in two years time will be planted around Nottinghamshire.

“We want to keep everything natural, local and make sure that we have the right tree species in the right places, where soil and climate is right,” said Emma.