A hotspot area that has been blighted by industrial-scale fly-tipping and unacceptable environmental damage at one of the most iconic forests in the world has seen barriers installed to prevent access for vehicles while still maintaining access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Forestry England have worked in partnership to bring this action to life, with boulders and barriers added to Deerdale Lane and Eakring Road, which is also home to Sherwood Forest.
Despite the barriers in place, organisations were keen to ensure that cyclists using the nearby Sustrans Track, visitors to Sherwood Pines and Centre Parcs, and everyday walkers could still enjoy a scenic and pleasurable experience along the road.
The area has experienced significant issues with illegal dumping of waste, which has prompted this action. It also resulted in the District Council creating a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) specifically for that area. The PSPO is designed to help preserve and protect the community while promoting responsible behaviour.
Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“We are committed to stopping those who try to cut corners and flout the law when it comes to environmental offences such as fly-tipping and rogue waste carriers.
“Sherwood Forest is known throughout the world, and we want to do what we can to keep it well preserved and rubbish-free for communities to enjoy. These extra measures in place will make it difficult for fly-tipping to happen in this area again, and we hope to see the recovery of flora and fauna that was once there.”
Lizzie Hartshorne, Recreation Operations Manager at Forestry England, said:
“Forestry England supports the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and the restriction of access to Eakring Road. This location has been a persistent problem area for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, including fires and the illegal use of off-road vehicles.
“These activities have often impacted our neighbouring Sherwood Pines, causing damage to the woodland and posing a risk to our visitors. We believe the PSPO will help reduce these issues and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Waste clearance will continue throughout the next year, as some areas of the site are inaccessible due to poor ground conditions in the winter months, and some waste requires specialist removal.
This new PSPO was introduced by the District Council after a review that included a two-stage public consultation. Over 500 responses were received, and the comments and feedback from residents, businesses, partner agencies, and wider groups were analysed at each stage to shape the consultation and the resulting final list of orders.
PSPOs address specific issues such as dog fouling, littering, and anti-social behaviour in public spaces. These orders can include measures to restrict certain activities that negatively impact the local community, from town centres and residential areas to parks and green spaces. Anyone found in violation of a PSPO could face a fine.
Incidents of fly-tipping should be reported to your local council.
