Sherwood welcomes its new Charter Pole!

It was given to us by the Woodland Trust, who are partners at Sherwood. The poles act as a physical reminder of The Charter for Trees, Woods and People, which was launched in 2017.

Sitting on the edge of our amphitheatre, the Charter Pole is one of 11 similar carved oak poles round the UK – one for each of the 10 principles of the charter, and one champion pole standing for the charter itself. Ours reminds visitors to ‘Protect irreplaceable trees and woods’ which seems particularly fitting at Sherwood!

The pole was fashioned from solid British oak from Windsor Forest, and carved by artist Simon Clements. Each pole contains a different tree-related poem by Harriet Fraser.

You can see where all the other poles are on the Woodland Trust’s website.

Sites were chosen to help reflect the different ways that woodland and trees affect our lives. Some are urban, some more obviously linked to trees, like ours.

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People

The charter was developed over several years, combining the expertise of over 70 organisations  – including The Woodland Trust – representing a whole host of sectors, as well as thousands of people across the UK who provided their input, thoughts and ‘tree stories’.

The charter was launched, and remains at Lincoln Castle, alongside the 800 year old ‘Charter of the Forest’. The castle has the champion pole, the tallest of the charter poles within its grounds.

It sets out the role trees and woods play in our lives, the rights we all have to the benefits trees and woodland provide, and our responsibilities towards maintaining and supporting them.

Each of its 10 principles articulate the relationship between people and trees in the UK in the 21st Century.  The people of the UK have a right to the benefits brought by trees and woods, and a role in keeping them safe and healthy. The Tree Charter recognises and protects this.

The last Saturday in November each year is national ‘Tree Charter Day’ which marks the start of National Tree Week. This gives us lots of opportunities to celebrate the forest, and our fantastic trees!