Crafty people in the Middle Ages used to eat the tail of Beaver to get round the rules of not eating meat during Lent, according to legend at Sherwood Forest.

They would reason that because Beavers used to live in water, they could be classed as fish. Quick-witted peasants also used to scoff goose and duck meat during Lent using the same excuse.

The fascinating insight into life in the 1300s is explained by James Askins, chairman of the Dogs of War re-enactment group, which will be appearing at Sherwood Forest from 19th-21st April during the Easter weekend.

Visitors can enjoy free entry to the event at Nottinghamshire County Council’s famous national nature reserve and witness life for themselves from the Middle Ages.

There will be a range of medieval foods such as ale and seasonal vegetables on display and tail of Beaver will be depicted by beef steak in the shape of Beaver tail (no beavers will be harmed!)

James, of Long Eaton, said: “It will be an intriguing insight into life during the mid 1300s under the rule of Edward III. We will be exploring the Easter theme closely when people used to cook and eat the meat from a beaver’s tail and other water based animals to bend the rules of Lent.

“We will also have a display of a common man giving the Easter Benediction to the crowd. It was the one time of year when a lay person rather than a priest was able to deliver the Latin sermon.”

People can see how medieval camps were set up and watch members of the Dogs of War preparing food, eating and entertaining crowds as they would have done in that period of history.

James added: “It is interesting to note that Edward III presided over the country at the time of the Black Death when some 60 per cent of the population perished. We will show some of the surgical tents from that time, but it is astonishing how Edward was able to not only contain and overcome this plague, but also keep the country together to start to rebuild itself.”

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Sherwood Forest is always a popular location for visitors and we are looking forward to a wide variety of events this Easter ranging from the Dogs of War re-enactment event, conservation opportunities with the RSPB and Walk with the Hawks and an Easter trail for young children.”