PRESS RELEASE

Issue Date: 14.8.17

Press Release Date: 14.8.17

The world-famous Major Oak branches out to host a festival

Join Nottinghamshire County Council and The Sherwood Forest Trust for the only festival in the world that is hosted by a tree! The #MajorOakWoodlandFestival is free and takes place on September 16 and 17 at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve.
Now in its fourth year, The Major Oak Woodland Festival attracts people from all around the world where Sherwood Forest provides the unique back drop of amazing ancient oaks and beautiful birch that set this apart from other woodland festivals.

Once part of the Royal Forest of Sherwood, the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is a marvelous wildlife area. It’s Britain's Heart of Oak, and the jewel in Nottinghamshire's environmental heritage crown.
This weekend of entertainments for all ages and the whole family brings together heritage crafts, traditional toys, tree surgeons, outdoor learning and environmental play, conservation organisations, as well as learning about bugs, critters and much, much more.

Patrick Candler, Chief Executive Officer from Sherwood Forest Trust said: “Come and enjoy what promises to be an enjoyable weekend in Sherwood Forest – meet friendly bodgers, charcoal burners, wood turners, conservation organisations and be inspired to get back to nature. It’s also your chance to find out if you are smarter than the Major Oak, so will you dare to ask this grand ancient oak tree a question? Come and help The Green Man wake the Major Oak from its slumbers! “

Sponsoring the Woodland Festival is the Woodhead Group Based in Edwinstowe House, which is home to more than 40 businesses in Edwinstowe. The Woodhead Group is an award-winning group of companies that specialise in Construction, Property Management and Regeneration. It is part of the company’s vision to celebrate and raise awareness for traditional heritage crafts, and we are proud and privileged to have their support. Robert Woodhead Limited is the contractor who is presently developing a new car park and access road for the new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

Councillor John Cottee, the Council’s Chairman of the Community and Place Committee said: “Festival season continues at Sherwood Forest. On the back of the Robin Hood festival, this popular event is a great celebration of Sherwood Forest and our iconic Major Oak. An array of fascinating traditional and modern woodland crafts and skills will be on display during the event “

The Festival runs from 11am – 4.00 each day and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre can be located at NG21 9HN.

The Festival is also supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council, who are proud to have Sherwood Forest as a major visitor attraction.

The Festival will also be supporting the national campaign for a new Charter for Trees, Woods and People which will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Charter of the Forest.


There are parking charges: Cars - £3 (including blue badge holders)

Motorbikes - £1
Minibus & coach - no charge

For further details, contact The Sherwood Forest Trust on 01623 821490 or e-mail at .

To contact The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre please ring 01623 823202
ENDS


Notes to Editors:

·  The Sherwood Forest Trust is the only charity working exclusively to protect, preserve and promote the historic landscapes of woodland, heathland and wetland of Sherwood for future generations of people and wildlife.

·  The historic boundary of Sherwood Forest is over 181 square miles from Worksop to Nottingham, (an area a third the size of greater London). It is our mission to tell the story of its heritage and work with its communities.

·  We are a UK registered charity and donations from the public really make a difference to our important work. Visit the Trust’s website www.sherwoodforest.org.uk and make a donation or become a ‘Sherwood Supporter’.

·  The Woodhead Group comprises Robert Woodhead Limited, Woodhead Enterprise Limited and Woodhead Regeneration Limited. The family owned and operated company is based locally in Edwinstowe and its roots to the village date back almost 300 years. The Woodhead Group is investing in Edwinstowe by delivering 60 new homes for market sale at Rufford Pastures and in new developments at Edwinstowe House which it owns.