I find it rather beautiful that such an old story is probably the most catalyzing factor in the effort to save the old oaks in England's Sherwood Forest--which once covered 100,000 acres of Nottinghamshire County. Today, Sherwood Forest is a mere 450 acres, with a few other scattered patches beyond its borders.
Robin Hood can count Kevin Costner among his Modern Merry Men: Costner, who played the legendary wealth redistributor in the 1991 movie with an opening scene that scared the bejesus out of 11-year-old-me, told the Sheriff of Nottingham that he'll back the $91 million grant through the U.K. Lottery Fund that's intended for Sherwood.
From Nottingham's local news source:
"Robin Hood and his merry men will be out in force across the county this weekend urging people to seize a last chance to bring almost £50m to Notts.
"The legendary outlaw - famous for redistributing wealth to those in need - is urging people to back a £45.5m Lottery bid to revitalise Sherwood Forest. ..."World Wide Robin Hood Society has also persuaded staff at the Robin Hood pub in Mansfield Road to wear Robin Hood hats to encourage people to vote for the Sherwood.
"The team behind the Lottery bid will also join Robin Hood and his merry men in Nottingham's Old Market Square and McArthur Glenn (East Midlands Outlet Village) near Mansfield all weekend.
"Sherwood: the Living Legend is a £60m plan to revitalise and protect the threatened ancient woodland for future generations."
Gotta love the lasting power of a subversive hero from the 13th-century; the stories we've told and re-told about him are very likely going to keep this forest alive. How's that for literary power?
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