THREE brothers called Sherwood have won a national award for quite literally creating their own Sherwood forest in Selby.

David, John and Kevin Sherwood, planted their own homage to Robin Hood and his merry men on their farmland in Thorpe Willoughby, including 40,000 oak, cherry, ash and rowan trees, over the last seven years.

David said: “These are the first woodlands on our 330 acres of farmland.

“The trees have grown really well and folk have warmed to the woods in the areas where we’ve installed footpaths and benches. One day we’d like to manage the woods to produce some timber, adding another good reason for taking a long-term view.”

The band of brothers have now won the John Boddy Rose Bowl for their woodland project, much of which is accessible to the public.

The prize is awarded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, with judges including the Forestry Commission and the Royal Forestry Society, which has previously invested £96,000 in the scheme.

Vince Carter, from the Forestry Commission, said: “Getting a new woodland established can be a tricky job, but here the trees are flourishing. The scheme has had a really positive impact on local people and wildlife and the brothers deserve huge credit.

“This is one of the biggest planting projects we have grant-aided on a Yorkshire farm and with the birds singing and animals and plants thriving, it’s a heart-warming place to visit.”

The new Sherwood Forest comprises five woodland blocks planted with trees like oak, cherry, ash and rowan, and also features open spaces to expand habitats.

The brothers received their award at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday.