Official day celebrating home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest to be launched by Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh at Major Oak on February 20
This week a national day celebrating the unique identity of Sherwood Forest will be launched.
This Thursday, February 20, will see the launch of the first-ever Sherwood Forest Day, celebrating the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the world famous woodland, and hopes to help put the wider constituency firmly on the map.
This landmark event has been created in collaboration with councillors, organisations, and volunteers from across the area, and was officially proposed in an Early Day Motion submitted to Parliament in November 2024.
The motion called for an official recognition of the significance of Sherwood Forest — it has since gained the support of ten Members of Parliament.
It reads: “That this House welcomes the celebration of a first National Sherwood Forest Day on 20 February on the anniversary of the birth of Major Hayman Rooke in 1723 for whom the Major Oak at Edwinstowe is named; notes that Sherwood Forest is a national environmental, cultural and heritage asset and its fame across the world for its close association with the legendary outlaw hero Robin Hood; thanks all those in the public, private and voluntary sectors who are active in preserving Sherwood Forest for future generations; and wishes all their efforts well in promoting the natural and cultural significance of Sherwood Forest.”
The MP for Sherwood Forest, Michelle Welsh, said: “Sherwood Forest is world-famous, steeped in history, and home to a strong and proud community.
“It is time we celebrate all that our area has to offer and ensure it gets the recognition it deserves.
“Sherwood Forest Day is a moment for us to honour our heritage while looking ahead to a bright future for the area.”
The MP added that she was immensely proud to represent such a historically significant constituency, and proudly wears a Robin Hood brooch.
In the run up to the launch, Ms Welsh has been visiting a number of significant sites across Sherwood Forest, including Will Scarlet’s grave in Blidworth, the Sherwood Forest Tree Nursery in Edwinstowe, and the Robin Hood Statue at Thoresby Park.
The motion was co-drafted by Richard Townsley, a volunteer at Sherwood Forest as the Medieval Sheriff of Nottingham.
He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history and heritage of Sherwood Forest. Delighted that Michelle Welsh MP is leading the campaign for national recognition for the unique history of Sherwood Forest.
“Establishing Sherwood Forest Day is a chance for all our communities across ancient Sherwood Forest to work together to celebrate and promote our local area.
“Sherwood Forest is an internationally recognised brand and its link with Robin Hood makes it instantly recognisable in many parts of the world.”
Councillors, organisations, and volunteers fromt he across the area have worked together to bring the initiative forward as a way sharing their passion for Sherwood Forest, and preserving its unique identity.
Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Paul Peacock, said: “Being born and raised in (the constituency of) Sherwood Forest I’m immensely proud to support this initiative.
“Sherwood Forest stretches from Nottingham to South Yorkshire, from Hucknall to Ollerton, and a special day to celebrate will bring all the Sherwood Forest communities together.”
Andy Gaunt, Director of Mercian Archaeological services CIC, added: “Sherwood Forest has a wonderful history and heritage and is known all over the world for its links to Robin Hood.
“Celebrating Sherwood Forest through a national day will give a tremendous platform for this unique region to further enhance local pride, promote community spirit, and generate a stronger sense of identity and place.
“I give it my full support and will do whatever I can to help in its implementation.”
