An occasional writer's journal

Families in Nottinghamshire are encouraged to recycle their Christmas trees to help safeguard the disappearing woodlands that were home to legendary outlaw Robin Hood.

The county council promises that for every used tree brought to its recycling centre after Christmas, a new oak tree will be planted in its place in Sherwood Forest.

Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland as Robin Hood and Maid Marian

Sherwood was designated a royal hunting forest following the Norman invasion of Britain. Legend tells that Robin Hood and his band of outlaws hunted the royal deer and robbed wealthy nobles passing through the forest, distributing their booty among the poor.

Whether or not you believe the tales of Robin and his Merry Men, the forest is as real as ever and created worldwide headlines in 2007 when a deforestation crisis was reported. More than 900 of its trees are over 600 years old and their future is uncertain.

Sherwood once covered about 100,000 acres, but although rich in wildlife it measures only 450 acres today, with patches spread across the county of Nottinghamshire. The greenwood has been reduced over centuries by urbanisation and timber production for construction projects including ships and cathedrals.

The most famous tree in the forest is the Major Oak, in which Robin’s outlaws are said to have hidden. It is estimated to be more than 1,140 years old and weighs a massive 23 tons.

The Major Oak

I recall that as a kid, no summer would be complete without a bike ride into the forest. It is saddening to think that if major tree planting does not take place over the next decade, it might be impossible to save the forest as an amenity for another 1,000 years.

All new saplings to be planted this year are derivatives of the Major Oak and will help to renew nearby woodland. Christmas trees can be exchanged for Acorn Vouchers which in turn may be taken to the forest visitor centre. Each donor will receive a scroll and coin and may make a personal dedication in a commemorative book or online.