Rambling poet retraces trek

A rambling poet is retracing an epic journey last made 350 years ago around the ancient boundaries of Sherwood Forest.

Dave Wood, 45, has won funding from the National Lottery and Arts Council England for his poetic journey.

He will be encouraging people to wax lyrical during a 90-mile trek, taking in leafy glades and areas which were once thickly forested.

The northern section of his odyssey will take him from Market Warsop, south of Worksop and through Clumber Park towards Ollerton.

And to celebrate International Year of the Forest on this Sunday, he will make a detour to Sherwood Pines Forest Park, near Edwinstowe, to take part in a Forestry Commission free Discovery Day.

There he will inspire folk to contribute a poetic line and combine everyone’s creative ideas into a modern day saga of Sherwood Forest.

Dave explained: “The perambulation of Sherwood Forest was last carried out in 1662 by officials to check the boundary was being respected and ensure venison were not being taken.”

“I want to replicate the original journey as far as possible and see how the landscape has changed and the threats posed to the remaining ancient woodland.”

“I’m doing the walk in sections and the idea is to inspire and talk to people about the environment, see what it means to them and host creative workshops.”

“Most of the walking should be done by Guy Fawkes Night and I aim to produce the results in the New Year.”

“Like any adventure, you never quite know what is going to happen.”

The Sherwood Pines Discovery Day runs between 10am and 4pm.

As well as poetry there will be axe racing, Nordic walking, bike rides, wildlife displays, a mass tree hug and shelter building – all to celebrate the wonder of the woods.

Pam Warhurst, Forestry Commission Chair, said: “We have fantastic woodlands and we want to get everyone involved helping us celebrate in Sherwood Pines.”

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is 3,300 acres and the largest single tract of forest open to the public in the East Midlands.

The forest provides a great venue for many activities. The cycling facilities provide something for every one and there are way-marked walking trails through some of the oldest parts of the forest.

There are several children’s play areas, a cafe, toilets and cycle hire.

For more information call 01623 822447, or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/EastMidlands.