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English CountiesNational Parks |
Walking in Nottinghamshire
The Dukeries, in the north of Sherwood Forest, is an area which is particularly attractive and full of interest. So named because most of the land hereabouts was owned by the Dukes of Norfolk, Portland, Newcastle and Kingston, these vast estates have now largely gone, but there are important remnants. Clumber Park (NT), formerly the home of the Dukes of Newcastle, has a wide expanse of parkland, peaceful woods, open heath and rolling farmland with a serpentine lake at its heart. The middle reaches of the River Trent flow through the industrial city of Nottingham, after which the river heads north through wooded vales along the eastern side of the county, eventually forming the boundary with Lincolnshire. Here there are some lovely walks beside the placid river and incorporating pretty villages such as Caunton, Bleasby and East Bridgeford.
Laxton - The pleasant village of Laxton is noteworthy because it is one of very few places left in England where the medieval open field farming system is still in use. Also known as strip farming, this system divided the land up into strips one furlong (furrow long) in length and one chain (the length of a cricket pitch) in width. The annual crop cycle involved three stages, typically planting winter wheat followed by a spring planting crop and thirdly the strips would be left fallow and perhaps used for grazing. Strips were allocated to individual village families in such a way that each had a fair share of the good and less fertile land. This system was generally abandoned with the enclosure acts of the 19th century. There is a visitor centre in the village where you can learn more about the farming method. Laxton also has another feature of historic interest in the site of a 12th century Norman motte and bailey castle. Known as Castle Mound this is located just north of the village near to the church. At one time Laxton was the administrative centre for the ancient Sherwood Forest and the substantial castle was built for this reason. Descriptive text and walk OS Maps: Explorer™ 271 A Walk from Laxton [SK 724671]
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Planning
a walk in Nottinghamshire may conjure up romantic images of walking
through Sherwood Forest in the footsteps of Robin Hood; of honourable
thieves in leafy glades relieving rich nobles of their purses for more
equitable distribution. A dream maybe, now that the great oaks and beeches
of the Sherwood Forest of old are mostly gone. The Forestry Commission
have planted stands of fir and pine, but good access and some remnants
of mature deciduous woodland ensure this is one of the best walking
areas in Nottinghamshire. Farnsfield and Edwinstowe are good areas from
which to explore the Forest.