The historic park of Thoresby came alive this summer as the Sherwood Forest Trust hosted its much-loved Woodland Festival – a free, family-friendly celebration of nature, heritage, and community spirit.
There was something for everyone. Children learned to weave, listened to stories by the Wild Man of the Woods, and crafted their own leather bracelets. Everyone had the chance to explore traditional woodworking, sample wild foraged syrups, join sketch walks with artist Martin Clarkson and foraging walks with Hannah Darcel from Kindful & Wild. Visitors enjoyed relaxed conversations with local craftspeople and conservation groups.
One visitor described it as “a lovely calm happy atmosphere”, praising the kindness of stallholders and the friendly welcome throughout the site. Another family spent over five hours at the festival yet still felt they hadn’t seen it all – a testament to the sheer variety of activities and displays on offer.
Over fourty stallholders and activity providers took part, from skilled woodworkers to environmental organisations, alongside engaging performances and demonstrations. The event was supported by dedicated volunteers, including the Notts 4×4 Response team, ensuring everything ran smoothly across the busy weekend.
This year’s layout made the most of Thoresby’s sweeping lawns and leafy avenues, giving the festival a spacious, relaxed feel. While feedback will help shape future improvements, the overall mood was overwhelmingly positive – with many already marking their calendars for the next one.
Helen Sullivan, CEO of the Sherwood Forest Trust, says: “We’re thrilled to see how the Woodland Festival has become a much-loved event for the community. It’s wonderful to witness so many people coming together to celebrate nature, creativity, and local heritage. The enthusiasm of our visitors, the passion of our stallholders, and the dedication of our volunteers all contribute to making this festival such a special and welcoming experience. We look forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming even more people to enjoy all that Sherwood has to offer.”
The Sherwood Forest Trust Woodland Festival continues to grow as a highlight of the local events calendar, offering a unique blend of free entertainment, environmental education, and traditional craft. It’s a place where you can spend the day learning, making, tasting, and playing!
