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...

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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...

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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.

...

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Nearby forests

A pond surrounded by some tall trees on a very sunny day

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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