Edwinstowe hearts trail returns to show the love
A trail of hearts will guide visitors through historic Edwinstowe to beautiful Sherwood Forest from this week.
The Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Trail is set to return from Wednesday 8th February, running until Sunday 26th February.
Dozens of heart-shaped designs made from a variety of different materials will be placed through the streets, in shops and cafes.
The Trail, which ran for the very first time in 2022, is timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, so the hearts are the perfect symbol for people from the local community to demonstrate how much they love this area.
The RSPB, which manages the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, has again teamed up with community groups, organisations and individuals to gather the hearts and put them out on display.
Carol Hallam, RSPB Community and Volunteer Development Officer for Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest, has been instrumental in staging the event.
Carol said: “The Trail is a superb way of bringing together the community to show how much it means to us. We were so encouraged by the response to the first trail that we have decided to run it again.
“It is also a novel way for visitors to discover Edwinstowe and its rich history, as well as Sherwood Forest, which is known throughout the world for its association with the legend of Robin Hood.
“There are trail sheets which can be collected from shops, cafes and other venues throughout Edwinstowe which will help visitors find their way along the route. Clues on the sheet will lead to mystery destinations in the village or forest.
“It’s free to take part, and there is a prize draw for correctly completed trail sheets we receive at the Visitor Centre, with prizes generously donated by a number of local businesses and organisations. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us to put this event together once again.”
The trail will also include some of the successful entries from the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Writing Competition, which ran over the winter. The winners have been chosen by acclaimed children’s author Sarah Ann Juckes, who was the forest’s first writer in residence in October last year.
There will also be artwork made by children from a local primary school, St Mary’s.
Clue sheets can be collected from Edwinstowe House, Edwinstowe Library, Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre, the Village Hall and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
More information about visiting Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest.