Play at Sherwood Pines

At Forestry England we believe that natural play amongst the trees is really important. And over the years at Sherwood Pines we have welcomed many thousands of people to our Mushroom Village and Robin Hood’s Hideout play areas. But as with any timber structure out in the elements, after many maintenance cycles these areas have now reached the end of their life and we need to close and remove them. 

They are to be replaced by a brand-new play area which is being developed with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Work on the new play area will start in November and is due to be completed and open to the public early in 2025.  

The new play area, which is being designed and built by Earth Wrights, will be themed around King John’s Palace, which was historically located close to the current Sherwood Pines site and was used as a residence by several Kings, including Henry II, Richard I and even Edward I. 

The main castle-themed structure will include a gentle ramp up to the top which means all children can access the tower.  Connecting the two towers is a wobbly clatter bridge, wide enough for wheelchairs, which not only ensures access for all but also provides excitement of movement (at height!) under your wheels or feet. One of the towers includes a climbing tree element to allow those wanting a more challenging route to clamber up the outside. And at ground level there are areas to enjoy including a secret den, tunnel, kitchen and dungeon. These feature tactile and high-contrast elements to help give them sensory detail for those with reduced vision. With a tube slide, balance trail and trebuchet swing also on offer, the new play area promises many ways to go up, down and around meaning the fun can go on for longer, and take many different directions. 

In the time between the old play areas closing and the new one opening, there are still lots of activities available on-site, including walking and traffic-free cycling trails, Go Ape high wire and Nets courses, Disc Golf, Gruffalo activity trail, character sculptures and orienteering.