Miner2Major: community works together to celebrate and protect Sherwood Forest

A historic photograph of a colliery superimposed on a modern image of the same landscape, with the colliery largely demolished and fields in the foreground
Bilsthorpe Colliery site then and now. Photo: Neil Pledge and Inspire.

Landscape Partnerships

Dyddiad a ddyfarnwyd
Lleoliad
Rainworth North & Rufford
Awdurdod Lleol
Newark and Sherwood
Ceisydd
Nottinghamshire County Council
Rhoddir y wobr
£2570100
Sherwood Forest’s natural heritage and cultural significance has been safeguarded through Miner2Major, a five-year Landscape Partnership Scheme led by Nottinghamshire County Council.

From the legendary exploits of Robin Hood to the creation of grand ducal estates and the impact of coal mining, Sherwood Forest has always been a place rich in history. Miner2Major involved local communities in celebrating, protecting and enhancing Sherwood Forest’s important habitats, special species and rich heritage.

The project delivered activities between 2019 and 2023 across four areas: learning and engagement, nature, heritage and community grants. Take a look at the project’s legendary landscape map [PDF] for an overview of their work.

Our vision was to make Sherwood a place where people can discover a new sense of pride in our nature, history and famous legends.

Steve Little, Scheme Manager for Miner2Major

Primary school children visited Papplewick Pumping Station to learn more about Sherwood Forest's industrial past. Photo: Inspire for Miner2Major.
Primary school children visited Papplewick Pumping Station to learn more about Sherwood Forest's industrial past. Photo: Inspire for Miner2Major.

Miner2Major’s activities ranged from researching local historic figures and wildlife monitoring to forestry management training and improving the area’s 200km of trails.

Community volunteers were involved in surveying forest trails, monitoring Sherwood’s iconic species. They got hands-on with trees and hedgerows – there were 20 community tree planting projects alone.

a group of archaeology volunteers wave at the camera
Archaeology project volunteers on the Miner2Major project. Photo: Miner2Major.

The heritage strand of the programme included community archaeology projects which used the latest technology to uncover hidden archaeological features in the forest. As a result, more than 50 Historic Environment Records were updated or created. Local groups also helped to identify and record historic buildings in the area, learning valuable skills along the way.

Steve Little, Scheme Manager for Miner2Major, said: "Our vision was to make Sherwood a place where people can discover a new sense of pride in our nature, history and famous legends. It was about celebrating the past, transforming the present and securing the future of this ancient forest."