unrated)About Birklands
In the heart of Nottinghamshire lies the ancient forest of Birklands, a rare and wonderful fragment of the great forest of Sherwood, one of the most famous forests in the World. Today a large area of this internationally important forest is now managed as a National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Birklands is an old Viking word meaning ‘Birch Land’ and is first mentioned in documents in 1251. The wood was the property of the crown for nearly 600 years and was used as a source of timber, grazing land and as an exclusive hunting ground rich with wild deer for successive Kings and Queens of England. Today the Forestry Commission manage the Birklands on long term leases from the Thoresby, Welbeck and Fitzherbert Estates.
Nightjars extensively use the wood and make a significant contribution to the nationally important population that Nottinghamshire supports. Ancient oaks, many of which are over 500 years old support over 1000 species of beetle and spider, many of which are rare and dependent on these old trees for survival. Over 200 species of fungi have been recorded on the trees and the woodland floor. Greater spotted woodpeckers, tawny owls and noctule bats also depend on this precious woodland.
How to get there:
Edwinstowe & Market Warsop is the nearest town or village.
Access is via the Sherwood Forest Country Park which is situated off the B6034 north of Edwinstowe. Nottinghamshire County Council apply a car parking charge.
OS Grid Reference: SK602681
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at enquiries.sherwood@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.
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