Wildlife and trees

What can you spot?
 
Fallow deer
These woodland natives have chestnut coats with white spots. The males shed their antlers by June and in the autumn the male and female herds meet for the rutting season.
 
 
Tawny owl
In winter, the hooting of the nocturnal tawny owl fills the air, with their striking gingery-brown feathers standing out against the frosty forest backdrop. Watch as they hunt for mice and ‘talk’ to each other during the courting season.
 
 
Pipistrelle Bat
Venture out at night to see the pipistrelle bat - so small it could fit into a matchbox. It emerges at dusk for food and can eat up to 3000 insects in a single night.
 
 
Want to learn more about the wildlife here? Book onto a Forest Ranger experience and discover all the secrets of the forest!
Wildlife at Sherwood Forest
Trees you'll find in the forest
 
Oak
Oak supports more life than any other native tree in the UK – and they're found throughout the country. They're home to hundreds of insect species, supplying many birds and bats with an important food source, as well as creating shelter. Oaks actually shorten with age to help extend their lifespan!
 
 
Scots pine
Scots pine is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. You'll spot this all-year round as its needle-like leaves are evergreen. It’s the perfect habitat for iconic Scottish wildlife such as the red squirrel, as well as animals like the pine marten and Scottish wildcat. Scots pines in southern England are also the main caterpillar foodplant for the pine hawk-moth.
 
 
Sycamore
The broadleaf Sycamore is a source of food and shelter for wildlife including bees, pollinators, caterpillars, birds, and insects. They're a popular nesting site for blackbirds, robins and blue tits, and also provide shelter for small mammals and bats. Look low down and you might also spot fungi growing on the tree.
Trees at Sherwood Forest

We’re more than just a holiday

Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.

We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.

And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.

Let's look after what we love

Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!

Give nature a helping hand by....

  • Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
  • Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
  • Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
  • Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
Supporting the forest