About Sherwood Observatory

Sherwood Observatory is a registered charity dedicated to furthering interest in astronomy within the community

Our main aim is to promote and advance the interest and education of the public in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), with a focus on the theory and practice of astronomy and related subjects, including by:

Encourage public interest in astronomy, space exploration, and science.
Provide activities, events, training, lectures, advice, education, guidance, and information on all matters relating to astronomy and science.
Provide facilities for participation in astronomical observations and experiments.
Undertake and promote research on astronomical and other scientific matters.
Use history and the arts to engage new audiences in astronomy and space exploration.

The Sherwood Observatory and Science Centre is pivotal to us delivering our aims. Our registered charity number is (1187777).

History of the charity

Our roots began in 1969 when David Collins placed an advert in The Chad, our local newspaper to find other people with an interest in astronomy

William Henshaw, Gordon Jones, and others replied, and the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society was established, with the society’s inaugural meeting on the premises of S.A.Monks Ltd on Mansfield Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.The Society’s ambition was clear from the start, as the idea to build an observatory was quickly raised. The initial design comprised a 24” reflecting telescope with an electrically rotating dome, a lecture room for 50 members and other facilities on the site at Coxmoor Road, one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire.

After breaking turf in 1972 the building began to take shape, finally opening to members in 1986. Society volunteers played host to many school, Girlguiding and Scout Association groups, receiving over 2,000 visitors every year.

Now renamed ‘Sherwood Observatory’, the charity has ambitious plans for the new venue, and look forward to welcoming even more groups, families and individuals to share our passion for astronomy.

The Science Centre

In 2014 the Society purchased the land adjacent to the observatory, which contained a redundant brick-vaulted underground Victorian reservoir constructed in the 1880s

The ambition was to transform the existing Observatory into a Science Centre and Planetarium to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Our vision is to enthuse local people to fulfil their potential as well as supporting the local economy.The charity fundraised from local supporters, private sector charities and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to supplement a grant of £5.35 million from government funding programmes in order to build the new site.

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Our membership

The Sherwood Observatory charity now boasts over 200 members

Our members meet regularly at the Coxmoor Road site to use the telescope, host guest lectures and pursue their shared interest in astronomy. We always welcome new members from beginners with a passion to find out more, to those with an existing interst in astronomy. – find out more

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Charity Patrons

Our patrons

Our charity’s patrons are the 13th Astronomer Royal Professor Sir Francis Graham-Smith F.R.S. and Professor Michael R. Merrifield, formerly of the University of Nottingham School of Physics and Astronomy.

Professor Sir Francis Graham-Smith held the position of 13th Astronomer Royal from 1982 to 1990, and officially opened the Sherwood Obervatory in 1986.

Mike Merrifield primarily studies the properties of nearby galaxies using telescopes at radio, infrared, optical and even X-ray wavelengths.