Addressing local queries on the work at Intake Wood in Clipstone

Update on Monday 20 April 2026:

Invitation to come and talk to us

We do understand how deeply places like Intake Wood are valued and how concerning it can be when works take place in a much‑loved area.

We want to reassure you that your safety and wellbeing always come first in everything we do. At the same time, we have a strong commitment to protecting wildlife, biodiversity, and the natural environment. Balancing these responsibilities can be complex, so the best way to explain what we have been doing is to discuss it with you directly, ensuring all your questions are fully answered.

We carry out work like this across the district to help keep people safe and, over time, improve our green spaces through new planting and careful management. Sometimes, this does mean removing trees or shrubs before re‑planting can take place. We know this can be worrying to see, particularly in the early stages, when it can look worse before it looks better.

We are very aware that the work at Intake Wood has raised many questions and concerns, which is entirely understandable. It is important to us that people feel listened to and have the opportunity to understand what is happening and why.

While we do put notices in place ahead of works, we recognise that people feel strongly about Intake Wood. For that reason, we would like to invite you to meet with us on site, nearly Dodsley Way play park on Friday 24 April. This will be a drop-in session, so please arrive anytime between 10.30am and 1.30pm.  We will explain:

• the work that has taken place,
• the reasons behind the work,
• what work remains on site,
• how you might be involved in the future, and
• answer your questions in person.

If you are unable to attend, please be assured that questions raised will be noted and responded to with answers shared on our website at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/intakewoodupdate, so that everyone has access to the same information and reassurance.

Until that meeting has taken place, felling work will be paused on site and only essential remedial work will continue such as ensuring paths remain safe, tidy and comfortable to use, and addressing basic maintenance needs.  In addition, some access routes will need to remain and there may need to be some closures to clear the site safely.

We know that Intake Wood holds real meaning for residents, and the strength of feeling here reflects how valued this space is. Although we have already met with some residents, we truly hope this opportunity will offer further reassurance.

We are committed to listening, explaining our approach clearly, and rebuilding trust where it has been affected. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing your concerns with us. We appreciate how important Intake Wood is to the community, and we look forward to the opportunity to talk with you on Friday.

Thank you.

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Update on Friday 10 April 2026: 

We have had a few queries about the felling work at Intake Wood and wanted to set out what work is being undertaken and why. Hopefully this will answer any questions, but if you require any further information, please contact us.  

Councillor Paul Peacock Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council addresses these questions below:

What are we doing? 

Firstly, we share the view of the community that this site is a valuable asset. It is covered by a Tree Preservation Order which means it must remain as woodland, and we want to ensure it is protected for generations to come. 

The woodland is a mature plantation of non-native trees (Corsican Pine) which we are transitioning to broadleaf woodland typical of the ancient Sherwood Forest Landscape.

We aim to conduct this transition slowly through selective thinning where possible, however safety concerns were raised about the size of a number of trees which were on a slope close to a row of houses. Corsican Pine is vulnerable to strong winds which can cause trees to uproot and fall. Thinning these areas only increases the risk, so the decision was made on safety grounds to remove the pine trees adjacent to the houses and replant with a native tree mix.

Works started on site in November and the final works are due to be completed by the end of April. The contractors undertaking the work are professionals with extensive experience, and work in line with national guidance. Please be assured they are also conducting checks for nest birds in each tree before starting any works.

Why is this happening?

Intake Woods is filled largely of non-native trees at an age where they are already reaching their life expectancy and are a risk to people and nearby buildings.  

While the majority of the work we will be doing is thinning the trees back and replanting native species, there are areas where the trees could potentially fall onto nearby properties. With the recent strong winds and the unpredictability of British weather, we need to take some felling work throughout April to keep resident safety a priority. 

We have looked at every option available including trimming down this section but unfortunately that would pose further risk as it would increase the trees instability making them even more likely to fall.  

As a District Council, we need to put the safety of our residents first and take action to fell a strip of trees to prevent potential future risk to people's safety.

These trees will be replaced with native trees more in keeping with the local area and will fit with the wider Sherwood Forest environment.   

We’re aware that the works look quite drastic, but it is essential to keep the area safe and to reintroduce native tree species.  

Working with the experts

The Council has sought advice and support throughout this process. Pre discussions were held with officers from the Forestry Commission and other environmental professionals on the best way to proceed before submitting the felling licence for Forestry Commission approval.

Will wildlife and access to the woods be protected? 

Yes. Work of this scale is always bit messy with some paths needing to be closed temporarily; however, we ask that site users be assured every effort will be made to keep routes open. Please obey any diversion or closer notices to protect yourself and others. 

Once the works are complete, we will be working to restore the pathways to a good standard. 

Restoration works will be conducted on the footpaths and trails and felled areas will be replanted with a native tree mix. These replacement trees have deeper roots than the Corsican Pine and will make the site safer for the neighbouring homes and the replacement species provide a better habitat for our native wildlife.

Animal welfare such as birds and nests will be appropriately evaluated and our qualified contractor will take the necessary steps to ensure they are protected.   

We’ve had signs up notifying nearby residents of the work sense October last year and if you require further information, please contact the District Council on 01636 650 000 or email customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk. 

Statement regarding unauthorised felling 

We are aware that a section of woodland has been felled when it was not supposed to be. This was not part of the plan, and we are investigating what has happened.

We are committed to doing everything possible, working with the Forestry Commission, to identify why this occurred, and take action to put things right.

We will continue to work with the local community to provide updates on our investigation.