February events at Sherwood Forest including a Valentine's Day trail and craft workshops

It promises to be a heart-felt February at Sherwood Forest with lots of events and workshops in the run up to Valentine's Day.

The return of the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Trail will get the heart pumping as walkers follow hand crafted hearts through the village and up to the through the nature reserve.

Anyone can take part in the trail which runs from February 8 until February 26.

For those wishing to craft hearts of their own — similar to those found on the trail — Edwinstowe artist David Evans will lead a willow-weaving workshop at Sherwood.

The workshop will take place on Saturday February 11 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, for £25 per person (£20 for RSPB members).

Also taking place on the day, from 11am to 3pm, will be storytelling, archery and an interactive trail where visitors may encounter one of Sherwood’s notorious outlaws.

On Valentine’s Day, visitors can take a romantic walk among the ancient oak trees with the first couple of the forest, Robin Hood and Maid Marian from 11.30am to 1pm, with places available for £7.50 per person (£6 for RSPB members).

After the romance, it’s time to put down some roots and create a loving home with a bird box building workshop on February 18.

This will also include a walk through the forest on the lookout for birds, with advice about how best to care for them in the garden or outdoor spaces.

All materials and tools are provided along with expert construction guidance for just £15 (£12.50 for RSPB members).

February will also see the first of many popular guided walks scheduled to take place in 2023, where participants will set out in search of woodpeckers — of which there are three species at Sherwood Forest, lesser spotted, greater spotted and green.

There is no guarantee that they will be seen, but are at least very likely to be heard due to their unmistakeable drumming at this time of year. Although it may be possible to catch a glimpse of these birds flitting between the branches of the historic oak and birch woodland.

The Woodpecker Walk takes place on February 25 at 10.30am, for £7.50 per person (£6 for RSPB members).