When is Sherwood Forest Day?

Sherwood Forest Day is on 20th February every year. The idea was championed by Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh, who brought forward an Early Day Motion in Parliament to recognise the forest’s rich history, cultural significance and natural beauty. The date marks the birthday of Major Hayman Rooke.

Born in 1724, Major Rooke retired from the army and came to live here in Sherwood Forest at Mansfield Woodhouse. He became an antiquarian, an archaeologist and something of an expert on the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest. He recorded and drew many of the great oaks and became forever associated with the Major Oak.

What is the purpose of Sherwood Forest Day?

To celebrate and promote Sherwood Forest as a national environmental, cultural and historic asset.

To thank those who are preserving it and work together to secure its future.

What is historic Sherwood Forest?

Sherwood Forest was a medieval royal hunting preserve established by King William the conqueror after 1066.

It was a vast area of Nottinghamshire where Forest Law applied.

It spanned over 100,000 acres including towns, villages, woodlands, heathlands and farmland.

It contained over two score communities and many ordinary people lived and worked here.