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Visitor centre plan step closer

Posted onPosted on 12th Aug
Visitor centre plan step closer

A consortium led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has been named as the preferred bidder to design, build and operate a new visitor centre — and to manage the natural habitats — at Sherwood Forest Country Park.

The RSPB came out on top in a procurement process organised by Nottinghamshire County Council for the £5.3m plans at the country park, which forms part of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve.

The consortium also includes The Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate.

The visitor centre will provide a new facility for the 350,000 visitors who go to the country park, based on the Robin Hood theme and including the Major Oak, every year.

It is hoped final contracts will be signed this autumn. The council will remain responsible for the current visitor facilities until the new centre open.

Council leader Coun Alan Rhodes described the news as “a bright new chapter for Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood.”

Mike Clarke, RSPB chief executive, said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the RSPB and a great opportunity to deliver a fantastic new facility at Sherwood Forest for people, communities and the forest.”

David Parker, acting area manager for Natural England, said: “The iconic Sherwood Forest is Nottinghamshire’s premier wildlife site and internationally important for its famous ancient trees and special woodland wildlife.

“We’re pleased this project will realise our shared ambition to fully restore the condition of this ancient forest to its former glory through the removal of the current facilities.

“This new modern visitor centre will enable people to continue to marvel at and enjoy this specially-protected site in a more sustainable way.”

Nick Brown, regional agent for Thoresby Estate, said: “As a major local landowner, including several leisure and tourism interests, the estate is keen to see a first-class facility built within Sherwood Forest. The estate also has strong conservation and heritage ethos.”

Kevin Smith, of Continuum Attractions, said: “Continuum Attractions is delighted to be part of the RSPB-led consortium which will breathe new life into Sherwood Forest Country Park and… deliver a sustainable future for the Sherwood Forest visitor experience.”

Pictured is the current visitor centre.