Newark and Sherwood

Newark and Sherwood is an administrative district spanning a substantial area across Nottinghamshire that combines different landscape types. The terrain moves from the Trent valley through rolling countryside to sandy uplands, and includes several towns, villages, and rural settlements across its extent.

The district took its current form in 1974 when several smaller municipal areas were merged to create a larger local authority. This reorganization was part of a nationwide administrative reform that affected many other parts of England.

The area was once a major battleground during the English Civil War, and locals and visitors alike come to understand this conflict through the stories embedded in the landscape. This history shapes how people relate to the places around them, from the town centers to the countryside.

The area is accessible through several established road routes that connect different parts of the district and make travel between settlements straightforward. Visitors should plan flexible journeys when exploring different sections, as the distances between centers can be considerable.

The area contains remnants of the legendary Sherwood Forest, though the original oak woodlands were eventually replaced by extensive pine plantations over time. This transformation happened gradually and significantly altered the forest's appearance and character from what many people associate with this famous woodland.