See Sherwood Forest’s ancient oak trees in a whole new light – by taking a walk through the illuminated forest!

It is one of a number of events taking place at Nottinghamshire country parks this festive season.

Sparkling Sherwood is the title of a three-day celebration taking place from 5 December to 7 December, organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, supported by Awards for All and The Sherwood Forest Trust.

As the finale to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Sherwood Forest Country Park, the event will feature a self-guided one mile circular walk around the forest – including England’s Tree of the Year, the legendary Major Oak – with a number of the forest’s ancient oak trees simply lit to showcase the remarkable form and texture of the trees.

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

“This year visitors to Sherwood Forest Country Park have already 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 – and this is the latest exciting chapter in a wonderful year for Sherwood Forest.”

There has been further celebration for the forest recently. The Major Oak was named as England’s Tree of the Year by the Woodland Trust as part of a national contest last week. An exhibition during Sparkling Sherwood will also show photographs of the country park from yesteryear, following contributions which have been submitted from across the country.

As part of Sparkling Sherwood, there are timed tickets – 5 and 6 December: 6pm and 7.30pm; 7 December: 5pm and 6.30pm, at £2.50 per person. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by calling in at the Visitor Centre or telephoning 01623 823202 (option 1) between 10am and 4pm daily.

There are some other highlights taking place as part of the Christmas programme at Sherwood Forest – they include:

St Nicholas’ Yuletide Grotto from 29 November – 21 December (weekends only), 11am – 4pm (last admission 3:45pm), £5 per child including small gift. The forerunner to Father Christmas, and the traditional bearer of Yuletide gifts, St Nicholas will be in his magical woodland grotto each weekend until Sunday 21 December, ready to welcome visitors.

Tree Dressing Day is on December 7, 11:30am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm. A seasonal highlight in Sherwood’s Christmas calendar. Join in the ancient custom of Tree Dressing. This weekend all over the country people will be gathering together to show their appreciation for trees, and where better to celebrate the wonder of trees than in one of England’s most famous forests?

Visitors can also enjoy the magical arrival of Father Christmas at Rufford Abbey in the countdown to Christmas with both country parks offering a fun-packed family festive experience.

There are lots of other events to keep everyone entertained including a ‘Dog’s Grotto’ for your canine companions and a Christmas craft event at Sherwood to make wooden reindeers and winter gift markets at Rufford and the chance to make something creative at Rufford Craft Centre.

For more information call 01623 823 202 for Sherwood or 01623 822944 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/christmas