Sherwood becomes national nature haven

Sherwood Forest, the area of Nottinghamshire made famous by the tales of Robin Hood, was designated a national nature reserve yesterday. The honour was bestowed on 500 acres of the ancient woodland in recognition of its beautiful landscape and its role in preserving threatened trees, plants and creatures.

Woods have covered the dry, poor soils of Nottinghamshire's sandstone since the end of the last Iron Age 10,000 years ago. English Nature said it was making Sherwood a National Nature Reserve – 50 years after the first such award was made in Britain – because its 1,000 oaks, some more than 500 years old, supported "an exceptional array" of wildlife.

Many of the animals and plants are found only in the hollow trunks, rotten wood and decaying bark. More than 1,000 species of beetle and spider have been recorded, many rare, with more than 200 different species of fungi.

Animals that depend on old trees include birds such as the great-spotted woodpecker, tawny owl and redstart, and bat species such as the noctule.

Remnants of large tracts of sandy heathland dominated by heather are found in more open areas. The nightjar is often heard "churring" eerily at dusk, while the tussocky heaths are important for ants and spiders.

Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of English Nature, said: "Sherwood Forest is a magical place for people and wildlife and is one of the most important places in Europe for ancient trees and woodland wildlife."