Sherwood Forest Day is not about looking back, it is about looking forward and celebrating our shared story

There are few places in the world as instantly recognisable as Sherwood Forest. Mention its name almost anywhere on the planet and people will smile and say: “Robin Hood.” For centuries, this ancient woodland in the heart of Nottinghamshire has captured imaginations with its stories of courage, fairness and standing up for what is right.

But Sherwood Forest is not just a backdrop to a legend. It is a living, breathing part of our national story – and for those of us who are proud to call it home, it is deeply personal.

I grew up surrounded by the magic of Sherwood Forest; school trips and family days out there were rites of passage. I can even remember a time when you could climb on the Major Oak itself. Today, you cannot get within 20 feet of it, a reflection of both its fragility and its significance. That mighty tree, thought to be around 1,000 years old, stands as a symbol of endurance and continuity. Generations have walked beneath its branches and generations more must be able to do the same.

That is why I recently brought the legacy of Sherwood Forest to Parliament, leading a debate in Westminster Hall focused on tourism and the future of our historic woodland. It was an opportunity to ensure that the voice of Sherwood Forest was heard at the heart of our democracy – to speak not only of its legend, but of its economic, cultural and environmental importance. Sherwood Forest has contributed to our identity for centuries; it deserves to be championed on the national stage.

Sherwood Forest Day – launched in 2025 following an Early Day Motion – is celebrated on 20th February. It is our opportunity to honour that inheritance properly. It is a day dedicated not only to the legend of Robin Hood, but to the ancient oaks, the wildlife, the heritage sites and, above all, the communities that give the forest life.

Across Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Forest Day brings people together in celebration. In the heart of the forest, local businesses gather for events that showcase the very best of what we have to offer. Plaques will be unveiled to mark significant places in our shared history. Trees are planted – some grown from descendants of ancient oaks – ensuring that the story of Sherwood continues to take root, quite literally, for centuries to come.

Sherwood Forest Day is about pride. Pride in our landscape, pride in our history and pride in our communities. Towns and villages such as Ollerton, Edwinstowe, Blidworth, Rainworth and Clipstone each play their part in the wider story of the forest.

Hollywood has long understood the allure of Sherwood Forest. From classic films to modern blockbusters, the forest has been reimagined time and again for global audiences. Yet the real magic lies not on a cinema screen but in our community and through the sense that you are walking through living history when visiting.

Sherwood Forest is also a place of inspiration. It inspired writers such as Lord Byron. It continues to inspire artists, conservationists and young people discovering its stories for the first time. When children visit the Forest, they are absorbing values of fairness, bravery and solidarity that remain as relevant today as they were in medieval ballads.

Importantly, Sherwood Forest Day is not only about looking back. It is about looking forward. Planting new trees signals our commitment to conservation. Celebrating local businesses highlights the role the forest plays in sustaining livelihoods. Showcasing heritage sites encourages responsible tourism that supports, rather than harms, the environment.

At a time when communities can feel divided and disconnected, Sherwood Forest offers something unifying. It reminds us that we share a common story.

As Sherwood Forest Day approaches, I invite everyone to come and experience this jewel in our nation’s crown. Walk beneath the ancient oaks. Learn the stories. Support the local cafés, shops and guides who keep the spirit alive.