Sherwood Forest to become world's first 5G forest

Charlotte Whyatt • 21 Feb 2020

The technology will allow for new virtual and augmented reality content all across the park. 

Sherwood Forest will become the world’s first forest to boast a 5G connection. 

A £10 million investment from Nottingham County Council and the government will see the 1,046 acres, its visitors centre and the nearby Rufford Abbey Country park receive the technology. 

The government’s £5 million pledge was made under its 5G Create program which aims to examine how this technology can open new opportunities in a variety of industries. 

The project aims to greatly enhance the visitor experience by allowing for new virtual and augmented reality (AR) content which is expected to launch in March 2021. 

Upon completion, visitors can expect to enjoy:

• Great 5G coverage across the park
• “An incredible 3D/4D virtual reality experience” involving the legendary Robin Hood
• Energy-efficient visitor accommodation which uses smart devices to reduce the impact of tourism
• Semi-autonomous vehicles, potentially featuring onboard narration, to move visitors around
• A new 5G innovation hub which will give local businesses a way to try out new ideas
• New technology to help children learn about the forest

Netmore Group UK, who’ve had experience building similar projects in Scandinavia, will handle all of the construction.

“I’m very excited to see what lessons can be learned about the innovative ways 5G can boost Britain’s brilliant tourism experiences," said Oliver Dowden, the UK's Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Source: Gizmodo