Sherwood Forest, Royal forest in Nottinghamshire, England.
Sherwood Forest is a woodland area in Nottinghamshire, England, covering more than 400 acres with old oaks and pine trees. The trees form different habitats for many animal and plant species, while open clearings and dense sections vary the landscape.
William the Conqueror designated the area as a royal hunting forest in 1066, covering a quarter of Nottinghamshire according to the Domesday Book. Over centuries the forest remained under royal control, until later use shifted toward forestry and conservation.
The name recalls the royal hunting ground where kings and nobles once rode to chase deer. Today visitors come for the Robin Hood connection and walk the paths through the old trees, following the trail of the legend.
The visitor center offers information, shops, cafés, and access to several walking trails that lead through different parts of the woodland. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as some paths are uneven and can become muddy depending on the season.
The Major Oak, a tree between 800 and 1000 years old, is considered the largest oak in Britain and requires metal supports to hold its wide branches. The trunk has a circumference of over 33 feet (10 meters), making it one of the oldest and most massive trees in the country.
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