Today, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve encompasses 424.75 hectares (1,049.6 acres),[1] surrounding the village of Edwinstowe and the site of Thoresby Hall.

[6][5] After the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII of England in 1536, the land of Sherwood was sold and granted into private ownership which was converted into house estates.

King Charles II of England brought back under control the management of Sherwood Forest.

[6] Sherwood Forest is established over an area underlain by the Permian and Triassic age New Red Sandstone.

The regional dip is a gentle one to the east, hence younger rocks are found in that direction and older ones exposed to the west.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Forestry England jointly manage the ancient remnant of forest north of the village of Edwinstowe, providing walks, footpaths and a host of other activities.

[14] It is a very important site for ancient oaks, wood pasture, invertebrates and fungi, as well as being linked to the legends of Robin Hood.

During the Second World War parts of Sherwood Forest were used extensively by the military for ammunition stores, POW camps and training areas.

Part of an agreement with Natural England was that the land where the existing 1970s visitor centre was located would be restored to wood pasture.

The River Idle, a tributary of the Trent, is formed in Sherwood Forest from the confluence of several minor streams.

[24] The centre contains art studios and a cafe and hosts special events, including craft demonstrations and exhibitions.