Sherwood Forest NEW Visitors Centre.

In 2015 the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was granted permission to build a new visitor centre, plus take over the management of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, bringing the total area in their care up to almost 1,000 acres. Building was completed by 2018. The new visitor centre is designed to complement the surrounding landscape, complete with gift shop, café, and amphitheatre. More than this they are committed to preserve Sherwood Forest’s ancient trees, and ultimately allow the forest to spread so as to connect with other small woodlands. The emphasis here is on the preservation of wildlife and the environment. So, what will visitors to Sherwood Forest find to be different than before?

Firstly, the previous car park and related buildings are gone. The plan is to let these areas “grow over” and return to nature. Parking (for which a fee is required) is now situated some distance from the previous site, at the bottom of the hill and on the opposite side of the road. (A pedestrian crossing is provided). Similarly, the new visitor’s centre and café are also now at the base of the uphill path, which leads to the Major Oak. Mobility buggies are available to hire, although people familiar with the terrain will already know the paths can be challenging in places for those unsteady on their feet.

Whilst the changes might take a little adjusting to for persons like myself whose visits here span generations, I do applaud the RSPB’s plans. Well worth a visit. (I had not seen Jay birds in years!)

For Sherwood Forest OLD Visitors Centre see THIS LINK.