[6] In past centuries the forest covered a much larger area, since cleared in favour of agriculture, villages and towns.

[7] The existence of the ancient Wychwood is recognised by the authoritative Victoria County History, but the planned Volume XIX has yet to be completed.

Foresters, together with verderers (judicial officers) could hold court and try offenders for both minor and major offences.

[16] Some of the land that had been cleared for agricultural use was purchased by the Woodland Trust, and re-planted with native English deciduous trees creating Shillbrook Wood, a 9-acre (3.6 ha) site near Bampton, and Eynsham Wood, a 13.37-acre (5.41 ha) site near Eynsham.

The modern Wychwood Forest Fair is centred on rural skills, heritage crafts, local communities and countryside traditions.