Updates on work at Intake Wood, Clipstone

We understand how valued Intake Wood is to our local community, and we recognise the concern and upset caused by recent events. We are incredibly disappointed that our contractor removed trees that they shouldn’t have. Once again, we are very sorry for everything that has happened and want to reassure you that we are taking this situation seriously and are committed to restoring the woodland carefully and responsibly. We are committed to rebuilding trust and working with residents, keeping you informed, every step of the way as we restore and improve this important woodland.

We wanted to write again to you, to provide you with the latest information. This update follows two wider community meetings, several one‑to‑one meetings, and a number of visits to the wood, where we have taken time to listen and understand people’s concerns.

Following this feedback from residents, we have developed a clear recovery plan, with practical steps that continue to involve the community, that are focused on safety, environmental protection, and which improve the woodland in the long-term.

With this in mind, we would like to share our immediate and longer-term priorities for the wood. These priorities have been shaped by what local residents have told us and reflect what we believe is most important right now.

What is happening now

Following our updates on 7 May and 8 May, work is already underway to make the site safe and accessible. This work includes:

• the removal of bike jumps, 
• branch removal, 
• the removal of laid stems (tree trunks) obstructing footpaths,
• and reducing stumps that pose trip hazards at ground level where possible.

All of this work is being carried out by teams ensuring that safety standards and environmental considerations are strictly adhered to. We have chosen teams with specialist experience in woodland management to guarantee the highest quality of care for Intake Wood.

Following our notification to the Forestry Commission regarding the removal of trees in an area where this should not have happened, they have completed an inspection of the site. We are currently awaiting their formal report, which will set out their recommendations on the most appropriate steps to rectify the situation.

In addition, our Planning team is undertaking a separate assessment of the site. This will also provide recommendations to support restoration and longer-term woodland improvements. We are also awaiting the outcome of this report.

Once both reports have been received, they will be published on our website.

Next steps

Safety – commissioning an independent hazardous tree safety survey

An independent hazardous tree safety survey will be completed to guide the future management of the woodland safely and responsibly. In the interim, visual checks are being undertaken on a weekly basis. We will respond to the results of this survey in a suitable and timely manner.

Protecting wildlife – ecological assessment

We all value the wildlife within Intake Wood. Before anything more happens at the wood, an ecological assessment will be carried out to ensure that any activity, such as clearing timber or vegetation, is carefully timed and managed to avoid disturbing nesting birds and other wildlife.

Planned works over the coming months

Subject to the information we gather in the two assessments (tree safety and wildlife), the recommendations in the Forestry Commission report and the Planning report, our intention is to deliver the restoration of the woodland in phases to minimise disruption and support the natural recovery of the site:

• Summer: The two assessments (tree safety and ecological) will be carried out and interpreted to guide the next stages of work.
• Autumn: Removal of remaining timber and brash, with minimal machinery and care taken to limit impact on the ground and surrounding habitat. Any tree work would be undertaken using less invasive methods.
• Winter: Replanting of the woodland, including a commitment to replace trees at a significantly increased rate, helping to restore and enhance the area over time. We will share information with you about all work, but in particular on this stage because we hope to involve the community in planting too.

Our aim is to support the woodland’s transition to a more diverse, native habitat, reflecting the historic landscape of Sherwood Forest and improving biodiversity for the future.

Working with the community

We are committed to open communication with you. Going forward, we will:

• Provide clear and regular updates at the wood through new signage and a dedicated noticeboard.
• Offer opportunities for residents to receive updates via email.
• Arrange opportunities to meet on site and talk through plans directly.
• Work with residents to agree and map key footpaths for future use and maintenance.

We are also keen to involve the community in the woodland’s restoration, including opportunities to take part in tree planting and future stewardship activities so we will be setting up a Friends of Intake Wood group.

Looking ahead

Alongside the activity outlined so far, we will be developing a longer-term management plan for Intake Wood, with the ambition of formalising this site as a Local Nature Reserve status. There was always a desire to create this site as a Local Nature Reserve, as the current signage indicates it is, but this was not formalised due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If formalised, this would help protect the site for future generations while improving wildlife habitats and public enjoyment. We would also seek to provide sympathetic signage to mark the main paths which will help with future management and maintenance.

Further information and keeping up to date

We are aware that some questions have been raised on social media. We want to reassure you that we are doing our best to share information and updates with you and, where we are aware of these questions, we have responded to them.

To ensure we don’t miss anything though, if you have any specific questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at intakewood@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or you can direct message us on social media if you prefer.

If you would like to receive updates about Intake Wood, please email us at the same address. Your details will be used solely for this purpose, and you can ask to be removed at any time.

While we have previously delivered updates to homes across the estate, this is unfortunately not a sustainable long-term solution. Going forward, we will ensure that information continues to be shared via our website (website address below), via email updates, and on new on-site noticeboards when installed. We will also continue to work with the administrators of the ‘Save Intake Wood’ Facebook group to help share updates more widely, and we are grateful for their ongoing support in doing this to date.

If you would prefer to speak to us, you can also contact our Customer Services team on 01636 650 000.

Thank you for your continued engagement and understanding.