Sherwood Forest wins second place in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve has taken second place in the ‘Best Nature Reserve’ category in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2013, voted for by the public. The Nature Reserve is managed by Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Natural England and the Forestry Commission. It contains some of the oldest oak trees in Europe, most of which are over 500 years old, and is a popular visitor destination. The 450 acre country park is part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, designated in 2002 by Natural England, in honour of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. It is maintained by the county council’s country park rangers, working to a woodland management plan drawn up in partnership with Natural England, and supported by other local partnership organisations including Sherwood Forest Trust. The legendary home of Robin Hood was one of 10 nominees competing for the title of ‘Britain’s favourite national reserve’ category. Brownsea Island, in Dorset, was voted into first place, while the Farne Islands in Northumberland took third place in the category. The 10 nominees in the favourite nature reserve category were selected by nature writer, Mark Cocker, and presenter of the BBC’s Big Wildlife Revival, Ellie Harrison. Commenting on Sherwood Forest they said: "This fragment of world-famous woodland includes 900 ancient oaks and the magnificent Major Oak." Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are delighted that Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve has been recognised in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2013 as a runner-up in the ‘Best Nature Reserve’ category. We would also like to extend our thanks to everyone who voted for us - it is a world famous forest and thoroughly deserves this recognition.” Izi Banton, Nottinghamshire County Council's Site Manager for Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve added: “We are thrilled to have this accolade, it is a real tribute to everyone involved with this amazing site and brilliant to know that visitors value Sherwood so highly." The 2013 awards were launched in the August issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine, and feature 10 categories, from conservation projects and best heritage site to countryside writers and our finest nature reserves. Why not explore outdoors at the award winning Forest? With great walking trails and cycling routes for all the family and an excellent habitat for a wide range of wildlife - there's plenty to do in Robin Hood's forest!