Sherwood Forest, stretch of hilly country, Nottinghamshire, central England, lying between Nottingham and Worksop, extending about 32 km (about 20 mi) from north to south and 8 to 14 km (5 to 9 mi) from east to west. It was formerly a royal forest and is associated in tradition with the legendary English outlaw Robin Hood. Of the original forest, only a few wooded areas remain. About 5,060 hectares (about 12,500 acres), mostly of pine, are now under national ownership.