Sherwood Forest.

A new visitor centre at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is scheduled to open in early 2018.

The new centre will be built at Forest Corner close to Edwinstowe village and will replace the existing visitor centre built in the 1970s, which needs to be relocated as it is currently on a Site of Special Scientific Interest full of veteran oak trees.

A consortium, led by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and featuring The Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate, has been chosen to design, build and operate the new visitor centre.

An investment of £5.3 million has been given to the new centre within Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest Country Park.

Outlined by Nottinghamshire County Council, the vision for Sherwood Forest and the new visitor centre is “to protect, preserve and enhance the ecology and heritage of the world famous Sherwood Forest for all visitors; to promote and enhance the national and international reputation of the forest and the legend of Robin Hood; to have a modern visitor offer that reflects the status of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood.”

Sherwood Forest

Groups are free to visit the stomping-ground of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, which lies just north of Edwinstowe and 17 miles north of Nottingham.

Walking, outdoor and ecological groups can enjoy the 450 acre Sherwood Forest Country Park, which boast 900 veteran oak trees. As well as the visitor centre a restaurant is available at the main entrance of the park, which offers lunch, light snacks, hot and cold drinks and a Sunday carvery.

For more information visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/country-parks/sherwood-forest.

Photo credit: Visit England/Experience Nottinghamshire.