An RSPB-led consortium is preferred bidder for a £5.3m contract to provide a new visitor centre and manage conservation in Sherwood Forest Country Park.

The charity is expected to receive a 20-year contract from Nottinghamshire County Council to look after the park, which has around 350,000 visitors a year.

It will work with a consortium which also includes The Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate.

Final contracts are expected to be signed in September.

The park is part of the larger Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. The RSPB is already providing conservation services to most of the rest of the reserve.

Mike Clarke, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the RSPB, and a really great opportunity to deliver a fantastic new facility at Sherwood Forest for people, communities and the forest.

"Our core charitable activity is all about managing landscapes for nature and engaging people - and we have a proven track record of delivering, to a high standard, exactly what is required from the Nottinghamshire County Council brief.

"I believe the RSPB, with its wider consortium, will be an excellent partner in this project, committed to delivering a long-term sustainable future for the National Nature Reserve and developing an exciting visitor experience for the people of Nottinghamshire and beyond."

Alan Rhodes, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “A bright new chapter for Sherwood Forest country park and the legend of Robin Hood is a step closer with this announcement as we move to final contract talks with the preferred bidder.

"The RSPB has a track record in delivering award-winning visitor centres. Their bid focused on conservation management, iconic heritage and of having expertise of successfully managing these sorts of schemes. The wider consortium has a vast amount of experience and knowledge to promote the international icon of Robin Hood and preserve and protect our world-famous Sherwood Forest."