A visitor centre in Sherwood Forest – home to the world-famous tales of Robin Hood – has opened its doors in Nottinghamshire, UK, following a £5m (US$6.4m, €5.6m) development.

The new centre, situated in the heart of the forest includes a welcome area, new shop and café, and an outside terrace and amphitheatre. A new Robin Hood-themed playground, designed with the help of local children, is also part of the offering, as is a nature reserve.

The building and the nature reserve are managed by a partnership led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which includes the Sherwood Forest Trust, the Thoresby Estate and the Woodland Trust, all of whom are working together with Nottinghamshire County Council.

"We recognise that a project of this ambition needs backing from so many different quarters," said Gemma Howarth, RSPB senior site manager. "We're especially thankful for the support of the local village residents and groups and we plan to host a community event to celebrate with them as well."

Councillor John Cottee, committee chair for communities and place at Nottinghamshire County Council, added: "It's a landmark occasion to witness the official opening of the new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. As a county council, we've demonstrated our total commitment to the project from the start with our investment of £4m (US$5m, €4.5m).

"Our world-famous Sherwood Forest, historic Major Oak and legendary Robin Hood will go from strength to strength following the completion of this scheme."