RSPB Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest
Sightseeing attraction | Mansfield | England | United Kingdom
Visitor center Sherwood Forest
The RSPB Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest is one of the most well-known and historically significant attractions near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, England. Managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in collaboration with partners such as the Sherwood Forest Trust and Nottinghamshire County Council, this nature reserve encompasses two interconnected areas: the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and the adjacent Budby South Forest. Together, they form a vast area famous for its ancient oak forests, rich wildlife, and connection to the legendary figure of Robin Hood. It is a place that uniquely combines nature, history, and culture, attracting visitors from around the world.
Guided tours Robin Hood
Sherwood Forest covers approximately 420 hectares and is one of the last remaining remnants of a once vast royal hunting forest that dominated the region in the Middle Ages. The area has been wooded for centuries and is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe, including the famous Major Oak – a gnarled oak tree over 1,000 years old that is said to have been a hiding place for Robin Hood. This tree, whose branches are now supported by props, is a symbol of nature's resilience and draws thousands of visitors annually. The forest itself is a mosaic of oak-birch woodlands, open clearings, and heathlands, making it an ecologically valuable habitat. It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation under European protection, highlighting its importance for conservation.
Nature reserve Budby South Forest
Adjacent to Sherwood Forest is Budby South Forest, considered one of the largest continuous heathland areas in the Midlands of England. This area represents the wilder, more untamed half of the nature reserve and transports visitors to a medieval landscape of open heathland and ancient woodlands. Budby is particularly known for its diverse insect life, including rare species such as the oil beetle, green tiger beetle, and various solitary bees and wasps. The RSPB has implemented extensive conservation measures here, including creating areas of bare sandy soil essential for the survival of these insects. Additionally, English Longhorn cattle and Hebridean sheep graze on the heath, maintaining vegetation diversity through their selective grazing and benefiting birds such as nightjars and skylarks.
Family-friendly activities Nottinghamshire
The wildlife in both areas is impressive and varied. In Sherwood Forest, birds such as the green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, jay, woodcock, and nuthatch can be found. In the open areas, tree pipits, garden warblers, and spotted flycatchers breed in spring and summer, while in winter, large flocks of crossbills, snow buntings, and redpolls move through the pine and birch trees. Budby South Forest is a hotspot for heathland species like nightjars and skylarks, which enliven the landscape with their characteristic songs in the summer months. Butterflies, dragonflies, and lizards like the common lizard attract nature lovers, while rare insects like the cardinal beetle can be found in dead wood. The diversity of habitats – from dense forest to open heathland – makes the area a paradise for wildlife observation.
Hiking trails exploring Sherwood Forest
In addition to its ecological significance, Sherwood Forest is inseparably linked to the legend of Robin Hood. For centuries, the story of the famous outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor has inspired tales, films, and artworks. The new visitor center, opened in 2018 after the old site was abandoned due to environmental damage, strengthens this connection through activities such as guided tours with costumed guides, archery lessons, and family-friendly trails that bring the story to life. The center itself is modern in design and serves as a starting point for various trails leading through the forest. A café and shop complement the offering, with the shop stocking souvenirs featuring Robin Hood motifs and regional products.
Visitors have numerous opportunities to explore the area. Several marked trails start at the visitor center, ranging from short walks to the Major Oak to longer routes leading to Budby South Forest. The park is particularly family-friendly, with a natural play area extending under the oaks and featuring elements such as a rope bridge and climbing frames. Guided walks, such as those to see glow worms or bats, provide insights into the nocturnal wildlife, while seasonal events like the Robin Hood Festival with a medieval flair attract thousands. The Great Glen Way, a long-distance walking route, also passes nearby, connecting the park to other natural beauties.
