Sherwood Voices audio walking experience voiced by Nottinghamshire residents takes listeners on journey through stories and culture of Sherwood Forest area

Step into the sights and sounds of Nottinghamshire with Sherwood Voices, a series of six audio walks led by residents which take listeners on a journey through the stories and culture of the region.

Episodes feature personal stories, experiences, and points of view from people who live in the Sherwood Forest area.

The walks will be available to download and stream, with a small number of MP3 players and headsets available at each location for members of the public to access.

From Bestwood to Ollerton, Edwinstowe to Newstead, the area has a distinctive landscape, character, diverse wildlife, important habitats, local legends and rich heritage, which are recognised and valued by local people as well as visitors from around the world.

The walks have been created through hours of conversation with people from across the Sherwood Forest area. Alongside storytellers, listeners will hear from shepherds, anglers, undertakers, park rangers, vicars, schoolchildren, and many others.

Sherwood Voices is led by Excavate and supported by Inspire, Miner2Major, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

Andy Barrett, director of Excavate, said: “The recent experience of lockdown has made us all realise the importance of our local landscape as a place to walk and explore.

"These audio tours build on this as well as exploring what has been, over the past thirty years or so, a period of profound change for the area.

"Sherwood Voices digs into this change; exploring the past and present culture of the area, and in doing so reveals how we all make sense of the places in which we live”.

Steve Little, scheme manager of Miner2Major, said: “Sherwood Forest is steeped in history with many tales to tell.

Thanks to National Lottery players Sherwood Voices brings to life local stories and connections to this wonderful area told by the people who live here”.

Peter Gaw, Inspire chief executive, said: "Whether it's rediscovering one's own backyard or uncovering new sights, this project promises to inspire exploration. At Inspire Libraries, we are proud to support this project, as we believe that heritage plays an essential role in learning and education”.

The full audio walks will be available to download and stream for free on the Inspire website.

The Sherwood Voices booklet can be accessed online, with physical copies available at the RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe, Dynamo Café in Bestwood, Calverton and Clipstone Libraries, Lifespring Church in Ollerton,The Welfare Community Centre in Newstead and Nottingham Tourism and Travel Centre in Nottingham city centre.