Combined with the education element that such connectivity will offer, this could be a big shift in terms of how we can protect our forests while still encouraging people to visit them. It sounds like Sherwood Forest will have similar given drones and robots are likely to help survey and monitor the health of the forest in a way that is more efficient than sending out individuals or vehicles. Robotics and drones have been used in the past in forests for commercial purposes, as seen in New Zealand. Slightly more vaguely phrased, there are also plans to use technology to teach children about the forests, although concrete details haven't been offered here yet. The plan also includes a 5G Innovation Hub which will host new research, encouraging other businesses to embrace such technology. There'll also be more environmentally aware uses such as the implementation of smart devices to reduce the environmental impact of visitors who stay, along with semi-autonomous vehicles to transport them around in a safe manner. It'll also offer a 3D/4D virtual reality experience at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, bringing Robin Hood to life for many. Connected forestĪt the simplest level, the 5G Connected Forest will offer more reliable coverage thanks to passive antenna technology and the use of Ofcom's newly liberalised spectrum.
The thinking here is that 5G technology can benefit both tourism and the safe and reliable running of the environment. In the past, Sweden has been known for embracing the use of emerging technologies to enhance its country and it's done a fantastic job so far. It aims to bring its first 5G network to the UK in the form of this project at Sherwood Forest.
The 25-month test bed and trial programme is in conjunction with Netmore, a Scandinavian mobile operator that specialises in private mobile networks.
It's all part of a series of government-funded trials that we reported on yesterday. Part funded by the government and partly funded by a consortium led by Nottingham County Council, the project aims to combine 5G technology, robotics, drones, and the beauty of the natural world all into one exciting package. Nottingham’s famous Sherwood Forest Country Park is aiming to be the world's first 5G 'Connected Forest' as part of a massive £10 million project.