Action taken to tackle unacceptable fly-tipping at world famous forest

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 we’re keen to ensure cyclists using the nearby Sustrans Track, visitors to Sherwood Pines and Centre Parcs and everyday walkers could still have a scenic and pleasurable experience to use the road.

The area has seen significant issues of illegal dumping of waste in the area which has led to action taking place. 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 to preserve and protect the community and promote 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 Spaces 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 be ongoing throughout the next year, due to some areas of the site being inaccessible due to poor ground conditions in the winter months and some waste requiring specialist removal.

This new PSPO was introduced by the District Council after a review which included a two-stage public consultation, through which over 500 responses were received, with the comments and feedback given by residents, businesses, partner agencies and wider groups 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. 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 be faced with a fine.

Incidents of fly-tipping need to be reported to your local council for further information visit the link below.

For more information on fly-tipping and waste carrier license’s click the links below:

Fly-tipping and other littering | Nottinghamshire Police

Report fly-tipping or illegal waste dumping - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Waste Carriers, Brokers, and Dealers (data.gov.uk)