Ollerton Pit Wood reveals an unusual side of the town: the woodland lies on the site of a former coal mine and is accessible around the clock, every day of the year. A wild strawberry trail is one of the area’s features; waterbirds also breed here. This place brings together an industrial past, a specific trail and wildlife. During your stay, Pit Wood offers a clear reason to take an interest in both the site’s history and its natural environment.
Nature and landscape around Ollerton
Ollerton is considered a gateway to Sherwood Forest. In the area around Ollerton, Sherwood Forest is Nottinghamshire’s only National Nature Reserve and includes more than 1,000 ancient oaks. RSPB Sherwood Forest covers more than 400 acres and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has miles of bridleways and walking trails to explore. Another point of reference is Sherwood Country Park, located two miles from Ollerton.
These natural places each have a different focus: at Sherwood Forest, the emphasis is on its status as a National Nature Reserve and its ancient oaks; at RSPB Sherwood Forest, it is on the bridleways and walking trails. Ollerton Pit Wood adds its former use as a mining site, the wild strawberry trail and breeding waterbirds to these themes. If you would like to include nature in your trip, you can choose between landscape, trails and wildlife as different points of interest.
Church and architectural history
St Giles was Ollerton’s original parish church. The present church was built in a single phase around 1780, replacing a medieval church on the same site. The east window provides another point in time: its stained glass dates from 1873 and is by C G S Foljambe. Together, these details show a longer building history, from the medieval church through the late 18th-century rebuild to the 19th-century stained glass.
Ollerton Watermill and Adjoining Mill House also provide a specific point of reference for the town’s architectural history. The building is Grade II listed and dates from the mid- to late 18th century. Anyone interested in historic buildings will find two different insights here: the development of the church site at St Giles and the dating of the mill building and adjoining house.
Classes, leisure and trails
Merry Maid New Ollerton offers classes for all levels. These include knitting, crochet, dressmaking, quilting, glass fusing and willow weaving. The programme complements the area’s natural and architectural history with a creative activity. The range of crafts appeals to different interests, without requiring you to commit to a single material or technique.
In the area around Ollerton, Sherwood Pines offers walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, Go Ape zip lines and a play area. The options range from trails on foot or by bike to other leisure activities. In Ollerton itself, visitors can walk between New Ollerton and Old Ollerton; there are also nature trails suitable for a leisurely stroll. These options differ from the miles of trails at RSPB Sherwood Forest and can be enjoyed as a separate activity during your stay.
Getting around and travel
The Sherwood Arrow runs from Nottingham city centre via Ollerton to Worksop and Retford. The route also connects with Rufford Abbey Country Park and Sherwood Forest. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable in advance. Choosing what to focus on can help you plan your days: Pit Wood combines its former mining use with nature, St Giles and the mill complex offer insights into architectural history, and the trails mentioned provide more options for walking and cycling.
Discover more destinations: Huthwaite, Mansfield Woodhouse, Clayworth, Chilwell, Misterton, Southwell, Calverton, Edwinstowe.
For the regional travel overview: Nottinghamshire.
