The legendary Major Oak in the heart of Sherwood Forest lit up the night sky as part of a special celebration marking 60 years since the national nature reserve was granted SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status.

Nottinghamshire County Council is hosting Sparkling Sherwood during the evenings this weekend as part of an event organised with The Sherwood Forest Trust and supported by Awards For All.

The Major Oak, said to be the legendary hideout for Robin Hood, has recently been named as the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year for England following a national contest and will next year compete for a European title.

And for the first time, the famous tree has been lit in sparkling colours of light in a captivating night-time display this weekend.

Visitors to Sherwood Forest have enjoyed a winter wonderland with gentle music accompanying a self-guided one mile circular walk around the forest with a number of the forest’s ancient oak trees simply lit from the ground to showcase the remarkable form and texture of the trees.

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This event provided visitors with a truly magical start to winter and a memorable experience to treasure.

“This year visitors to Sherwood Forest Country Park have had the opportunity to see the Major Oak up close from a cherry picker as part of the Major Oak Woodland Festival, and enjoy the 30th Robin Hood Festival – Sparkling Sherwood is the latest exciting chapter in a wonderful year for Sherwood Forest.”