Plaques to remind people of former ancient forest

Richard Townsley believes a 'rebellious' North Nottinghamshire spirit can be traced back to Sherwood Forest

People living on land that used to be part of a large ancient forest are being encouraged to purchase and display plaques to remind them of its history.

Richard Townsley, a champion for Sherwood Forest known as "The Sheriff of Nottingham", wants a plaque put up in every place that used to be inside the medieval boundaries.

He believes that would include between 40 and 50 communities, ranging from the suburbs of Nottingham to villages like Skegby and Edwinstowe in the north of Nottinghamshire.

His campaign is being supported by the Sherwood Forest Trust and the local MP.

The modern Sherwood Forest nature reserve is home to the Major Oak

Mr Townsley believes the old forest is "in our DNA" in the county, even if residents do not always remember they were once part of it.

"It binds together bits of North Nottinghamshire in a way other factors don't," he said.

"The fact we were living under forest law that was repressive meant people did rebel and did fight back. It led to our rebellious spirit."

Sherwood Forest is the legendary home of rebels like Robin Hood and Ned Ludd

The boundaries he would use are based on the medieval forest, which covered much of Nottinghamshire north of the River Trent.

This was not one continuous forest, but about 100,000 acres of mixed-use land - such as woodland, heaths and settlements - where special laws applied.

The modern Sherwood Forest nature reserve is about 1,000 acres," he said. "The forest survived 800 years.

"The names are still there (in pubs, lanes and fields)... but sometimes we've forgotten why, we don't remember now."

A huge chunk of the modern county north of the River Trent was once covered by forest law

The plaques currently cost about £370 each but Mr Townsley says he believes they will get cheaper the more people sign up for them.

A community will be chosen as the first to get a plaque and presented with it at the next annual Sherwood Forest Day on 20 February.

Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest, said: "Sherwood Forest is iconic and for far too long its rich history has been vastly underrepresented.

"The plaques are another way to recognise the rich history, culture and international importance of Sherwood Forest and its people.

"It has been great to work with both the Sheriff and the Sherwood Forest Trust on this. We are determined to make it a reality."