Conservation charity The Sherwood Forest Trust held the first of 10 community tree planting events at St Mary’s Churchyard, Edwinstowe.
It was part of its work with Miner2Major, a landscape partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The events will be focused around celebrating well-known stories and moments in Nottinghamshire history — emphasising the importance of trees within modern-day society.
Children from Edwinstowe primary schools, St Mary’s CofE and King Edwin, attended and took part in a traditional Japanese craft, Hapa Zome (leaf dye), followed by the planting of a Paul’s Scarlet hawthorn tree and a visit from Robin Hood.
Miss Fletcher, from King Edwin, said: “It was a lovely experience for the children and was extremely well planned, a perfect day for our first venture out of school since lockdown.”
The hawthorn tree, also dubbed the May Tree, was chosen as a traditional symbol of spring. As an ancestor of the maypole, its leaves and flowers are also typically used in May Day celebrations for garlands.
Trust chief executive Dr Patrick Candler added: “It’s important that we continue to remember and commemorate our local Nottinghamshire history. As a trust, we’re passionate about celebrating the contribution that trees make to our local environment and culture, and these events encourage us, and the community, to do so.”
Miner2Major focuses on the heart of the Sherwood Forest area, from Nottingham to Ollerton, and Mansfield to Rufford Abbey.
PHOTO: Simon Ford Media