Sheriffs unite to save forest

The Sheriff of Lichfield and his counterpart in Nottingham were enough to have even Robin Hood in a quiver as they discussed the fate of Sherwood Forest.

Councillor Terry Thomas has been asked by his counterpart the Sheriff of Nottingham, Jeannie Packer, for help in raising awareness of Sherwood's plight, and its quest for £50 million of lottery funding.

With hundreds of its veteran oaks given less than 50 years to live, the forest is in need of help.

The two sheriffs discussed the issue after the recent annual general meeting of The National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales.

"In the days of Robin Hood, Sheriffs were powerful people," said Ms Packer.

"We could execute outlaws for wrong-doings in the woods. Dogs' toes would be cut off to deter illegal hunting. It was all pretty grisly.

"Today's Sheriffs are much kinder people, but equally keen to protect the country's precious environmental assets.

"That is why I am asking the Sheriff of Lichfield to join me in supporting Sherwood: The Living Legend."

And after hearing of Sherwood's plans to restore, replant and revitalise the forest, Councillor Thomas said: "Sherwood Forest is a vital part of our national heritage visited by many people from Lichfield and Staffordshire every year.

"The legend of Robin Hood is close to all our hearts and who better to restore Sherwood Forest than the Sheriff of Nottingham."

Sherwood: The Living Legend has four strands: replacing the current visitors centre with a groundbreaking visitor centre with a panoramic viewing gallery; creating a 250km network of walking and cycling paths by adding 95km of new paths joining the existing routes; planting 350 hectares (more than 400 football pitches worth) of new woodland and heathland and launching 50 schemes to help regenerate local communities.