For centuries, the Major Oak has stood at the heart of Sherwood Forest, a living bridge between the past and present. This ancient giant, with a canopy stretching nearly 92 feet and a trunk measuring 33 feet around, has always been more than a tree. It has been a landmark, a gathering place, and a keeper of stories.

For around a thousand years, the Major Oak has weathered storms and droughts, wars, and kings and queens. It has endured the rise and fall of kingdoms and the slow, steady reshaping of the English landscape.

Its story is deeply woven into folklore. Legend says that Robin Hood and his Merry Men once sheltered beneath its vast canopy, finding refuge among its roots and branches. Whether myth or memory, the tale has become inseparable from the tree itself, adding a sense of magic to its astonishing presence - a magic that has carried through generations and will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Its fame only grew with time. In the 1800s, Major Hayman Rooke, a soldier and antiquarian, wrote about the oak with such admiration that the Major Oak name became etched in history. Since then, visitors from across the world have travelled to stand beneath its great branches, hoping to feel, if only for a moment, part of its extraordinary history.

Now, as the Major Oak reaches the end of its remarkable life, it marks a profound moment in the story of Sherwood Forest. Though its leaves will no longer flourish the way it once did, the legacy that remains is vibrant. The tales it inspired, the wonder it sparked, and the generations it touched will continue to shape the forest and the people who walk it.

We are celebrating a significant milestone along with Ollerton and Boughton Town Council for the transformation of Ollerton town centre, as planning permission has now been granted for the ambitious regeneration scheme.

This landmark decision marks a major step forward in delivering a vibrant, modern town centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses and visitors.

Backed by government investment through the Local Regeneration Fund (formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund), the scheme will transform the heart of Ollerton, creating new opportunities for economic growth, community activity and leisure.

The approved plans include:

• A new north-south pedestrian boulevard linking Forest Road and Rufford Avenue
• A modern cinema and café space to bring new leisure opportunities to the town
• A public sector hub providing accessible local services
• New retail and office spaces
• A new town centre ‘heart’ with high-quality public space and seating
• Dedicated areas for events and markets
• New affordable homes on Sherwood Drive

📢 There’s still time to submit your nominations for inspiring individuals, teams or groups who go above and beyond for the local community, or champion the growth of sports!

🌟Nominations for this year’s Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards are open until the end of Friday 3 July – so be sure to help acknowledge and thank those who truly make a difference before the deadline.

Who can I nominate?

You can nominate a friend, family member, team, individual, teacher, an employee at your favourite store, in fact anyone who shines in your eyes for one of the awards.

How do I nominate?

There are 13 award categories, and you can nominate a person or team for more than one award.

Learn more about each award category and submit your nominations on our website.

🦔 If you spot a hedgehog that is injured, unwell, or active in daylight, please don’t ignore it - your help could save a life. Gently place it in a high-sided box with a towel and keep it warm and quiet. Avoid giving food or water until you’ve had advice.

Contact a local specialist such as Wildflower Hedgehog Rescue for guidance.

You can also contact the RSPCA, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, or a local wildlife rescue. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

We’ve partnered with Keep Britain Tidy to bring their well-known “There’s no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy” campaign to Newark and Sherwood, using proven materials to encourage responsible dog ownership.

When walking your dog:

✅ Bag it
✅Take it with you
✅Bin it – any bin will do!

Why it matters:

🚫 Dog fouling is unpleasant and spoils our streets and green spaces
🚫 It can carry harmful bacteria and parasites
🚫 It poses a risk to children, pets, and wildlife

👉 Spotted dog fouling? Report using our online form. Report dog fouling

One month left to apply for funding to improve local green spaces and play parks

The Newark and Sherwood Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund Scheme is now open for applications! If you’re part of a Town or Parish Council, here’s your chance to secure funding to enhance parks and play areas in your community.

• Grants available up to £10,000 (with a 50% match funding requirement)
• Potential for improvements worth up to £20,000 per site
• Open to parks and play areas not owned by the District Council

Don’t miss out! Applications close Friday 31 July 2026. Final decisions will be announced in November 2026.

Residents living in the Trent Valley area are getting the chance to make sure their voice is heard on the future of the region.

‘Know Your Place Trent Valley’ aims to give people living in the area the chance to say what matters most to them both now and in the future, as plans for redevelopment and related projects move forward at the former power stations at West Burton, Cottam and High Marnham.

It is a joint project led by Bassetlaw District Council covering communities either side of the River Trent including eastern Bassetlaw and parts of West Lindsey, Newark and Sherwood and North Kesteven.

Three in-person events are taking place in Harby, Sutton on Trent, and South Clifton. More details on these can be found below.

• Tuesday 14 July, 4pm until 7pm at South Clifton Coronation Hall
• Thursday 6 August, 4pm until 7pm at Harby with Swinethorpe Victory Hall
• Wednesday 26 August, 4pm until 7pm at Sutton on Trent Methodist Community Centre

Next week marks the start of ASB Awareness Week 2026 (29 June – 5 July), a national campaign led by Resolve UK and supported by local councils, police, fire services, and community groups. This year’s theme is #MakingCommunitiesSafer, and we’re proud to be part of the movement.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing how you can report anti-social behaviour (ASB), the support available to victims, and the work being done to tackle ASB across Newark and Sherwood. From noise disturbances to vandalism, ASB affects us all - and we all have a role to play in addressing it.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates, tips, and ways to get involved.

Let’s work together to create safer, stronger communities.

Residents aged 55–74 who live in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire and have ever smoked are eligible for free lung cancer screening.

This quick “MOT” checks your lungs and can detect problems early, even if you feel well, making treatment easier.

If eligible, you’ll receive an invitation for a telephone assessment, with further appointments arranged if needed.

Look out for your letter in the post and take up this important offer.

For more information, visit www.nottslungcancerscreening.nhs.uk or call 0115 896 3600.

We have purchased three bleed kits that will be installed in a number of locations across Newark through the Situational Crime Fund from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

One has been installed just outside the Odeon and another has been installed in Newark Town Centre in a phone box. Odeon and Newark Town Council has supported the installation of these. A third location is still to be decided but an area should be identified soon.

These bleed kits are used as a trauma first aid pack designed to stem severe, life-threatening bleeding before paramedics arrive.

Visit Newark and Sherwood is your go-to guide for exploring everything our district has to offer! From historic market towns and scenic countryside to vibrant events and unforgettable days out. Whether it’s a weekend break, family adventure or cultural escape, visitors can now explore and plan their trip all in one place. 

With a fresh, modern design and improved usability, our new website makes it easier than ever to explore what makes our district so special, while also shining a spotlight on over 100 local businesses already featured on the site! 

Take a look and start exploring 👉 www.visitnewarkandsherwood.co.uk

Looking for an easy, thoughtful gift for any occasion? 

The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card is a simple way to treat friends, family, or colleagues while supporting local businesses.  

Accepted in a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure venues across the district, it gives recipients the flexibility to choose something they’ll truly enjoy.  

Perfect for birthdays, end-of-term thank-yous or just because, every card purchased helps keep money in the local economy and supports our vibrant high streets. 

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