Birklands Sherwood Forest

Visitor information

Dating back to 1251, Birklands is part of the famous Sherwood Forest

With an extensive path network, varied history and special wildlife to discover, Birklands, near Edwinstowe, is a fantastic place to explore. You can access Birklands via the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. 

Wildlife to spot

Nightjars, glow worms and thousands of other species rely on the unique habitat of Birklands, so bring your binoculars and a sharp eye - who knows what you’ll see!

Local history

Birklands, a Viking word meaning 'birch land', was property of the crown for nearly 600 years. It was used as a source of timber, grazing land and as an exclusive hunting ground for successive Kings and Queens of England.

At a glance

  • Walking trails
  • Historic features
  • Cycling opportunities
  • Horse riding 

Things to do

Cycling at Birklands

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Birklands and soak up the beautiful scenery. 

There are a number of paths around the woodland which give a range of route options to choose from.

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Horse riding at Birklands

We welcome horse riders at Birklands on the two bridleways that run through the wood. Please keep to these bridleways and do not ride in the wider forest. 

The route 6 and route 648 bridleways are as marked as SUSTRANS, or have been marked by rights of way. Alongside these, there are additional parts of bridleways that link Edwinstowe to the SUSTRANS routes.

No permit is needed to ride at Birklands and there are no gates or barriers to cross to access the bridleways. 

 

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Walking at Birklands

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes. 

Birklands has a variety of open paths and trails for you to discover.

Why not get out and walk the Thynghowe Trail and investigate some local history along the way? Explore the trail 

 

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Nearby forests

Leaves turning orange at the start of autumn

Boundary Wood

Located near the villages of Blidworth and Rainworth, Boundary Wood is a young woodland with newly planted broad-leaved areas as well as conifers that tower above a beautiful wild-flower meadow. 

Wander the range of surfaced paths that criss-cross through the wood, or explore the SUSTRANS national cycle route that passes through, connecting you to Sherwood Pines in the north or Haywood Oaks in the south. 

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Views from Ollerton Pit Woods, Nottinghamshire

Ollerton Pit Wood

Once a former colliery site, Ollerton Pit Wood now boasts a wild strawberry walk, nesting water birds and a whole host of thriving wildlife and different plant species. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area and depending on the time of year you visit, you may see butterflies and dragonflies while flower lovers can expect to enjoy bee orchids and birds foot trefoil.

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Field of purple orchids in the sun

Oxclose Wood

Enjoy the mixture of woodland, wetland and grassland at Oxclose Wood. Banks of orchids, the song of the skylark and the hovering kestrel are all here for you to discover.

The surfaced trails make it a lovely place to walk, reflect, be creative and simply enjoy the beauty around you.

Steep climbs are rewarded with spectacular views and you may even catch a glimpse of a buzzard.

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Shirebrook Wood on a winter morning

Shirebrook Wood

With its mixture of mature broadleaf woodland, newly planted trees, large open meadows and a scenic wetland valley, Shirebrook Wood offers something for everybody. 

This reclaimed colliery site provides home to a variety of wildlife including songbirds, small mammals and plenty of butterflies. On a warm summer’s day you may even be lucky enough to spot the Dingy Skipper butterfly as you explore the wood! 

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