Local people making their corner of rural Britain unique
This week
SaturdayΜύ3rd November
Matt Baker is in Sherwood Forest at a turning point in its history.
Britain's most famous forest is in crisis. Its oak trees are disappearing at an alarming rate. As the Head Ranger, Izzy Banton explains, deforestation over more than five centuries means there are huge generation gaps of oaks.
But there's now a fifty million pound bid in with the National Lottery to restore the Forest. Apart from the environmental work, part of the plans include a 100 foot high visitors' centre in the shape of an abstract tree with a viewing platform. The idea hasn't gone down well with some people living in nearby Edwinstowe who claim it will be a monstrosity.
Work to restore the Forest is already underway. Longhorn cattle are being used to graze parts of Sherwood in an effort to reduce bracken. The weed covers much of the Forest floor and prevents other species, including oak, from taking hold. Centuries ago the Forest would have been grazed with breeds such as Longhorn and it's hoped the use of the cattle will help return it to how it looked half a millennium ago.
Half a million people come to Sherwood every year and keeping numbers up is seen as vital to the future of the Forest. Matt tries his hand at one of the recreational activities on offer - a treetop experience including zip slides, tarzan swings and thirty foot high walkways.
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