WHEN writer Dave Wood is in need of inspiration, he goes for a long walk.
However, few will have been as momentous as the one he plans to complete later this year.
The 45-year-old, from Stapleford, wants to recreate a walk of Sherwood Forest last completed nearly 350 years ago.
The "perambulation of Sherwood Forest" was last carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape around them.
Mr Wood intends to replicate the original journey, noting how the landscape has changed over the centuries and the threats posed to the remaining ancient woodland.
He said: "Most of the forest has disappeared, so hopefully my walk will highlight the danger of losing the rest of it.
"I intend to travel around using the original notes as much as possible, talking to locals and visitors and producing my own reflections."
The route will start at Trent Bridge and take him through areas including Wilford, Lenton, Radford and Bulwell, which were all once part of the forest.
He will then journey through north Notts before heading back down to West Bridgford via villages including Oxton and Epperstone.
Mr Wood is hoping to cover the journey on foot over a three month period, starting in July.
He will be holding events and workshops along the way.
Mr Wood said: "I want people to come along the route with me, noticing the environment.
"A lot of the trees will have disappeared. Hopefully we'll be able to plant a few new ones along the way.
"I also want to get people inspired about the origins of their communities, and the natural and built environments around them."
He added: "The plan is much more than about setting down the boundaries and making copious notes; it's about alerting people to their own creativity, their environment and having fun with their imagination."
The poet is planning to apply for an Arts Council grant in order to run the workshops.
The Sherwood Forest Trust has already offered its support for the scheme as part of its Special Trees project.
Mr Wood wants to hear from community groups, walkers, and tree specialists who would like to get involved.
Call 07709977684 or e-mail davewrite2002@yahoo.com.
From: This is Nottingham
