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In about 1999, in furtherance to the building of Sherwood Business Park, the development company decided to landscape the field(s) (click link) that abutted between the footpath leading from near the Doctors surgery on Forest Road to Sherwood business park, up to Little Oak Plantation.
This work involved removing and storing much of the clay subsoils from the Industrial site during its construction, the provision of a sound barrier in the form of a heightened walkway (not very effective) and the setting of 1000’s of conifers.
Over the following years, through water logging and neglect, many of the trees died and the whole area became overgrown. Following pressure by Ashfield District Councillor Tony Theaker and some of the local community, Ashfield District Council, took over ownership of this area but despite management plans (Click link) being formulated nothing was undertaken to ensure that this downturn was reversed.
Following many complaints about its condition, in 2016, ACCESS approached the Council, who stated that finances prevented them from carrying out any vast improvements but thought that this would be an invaluable area to be developed for and by the local community.
With this in mind, a meeting was called, following which, it was decided that a volunteers group would be established. A constitution was formulated in conjunction with ADC, advertised, committee members organised, and working parties set up. It was thought, by many, that this might provide an outdoor nature area for the children of the Primary school. Mrs Dawn Roberts, Head, was an enthusiastic supporter and indeed one of the committee.
The group firstly spent many days removing the plastic tree guards, which had initially protected the young trees, but were now strangling and restricting them. Over about 1 year, 2500 guards were removed and transported away from site.
What started with enthusiasm within the committee was somewhat dimmed by personal circumstances which fell on them. Personally speaking I tried to support my wife in providing end-of-life care to her uncle over many months, as well as supporting my own family members who had health problems. I also know that the majority of committee members either suffered serious health problems themselves or family members did. My wife and I moved out of the area for nearly 9 months, whilst renovations were carried out to our house. Unfortunately, no sooner had we returned then Coronavirus struck the world with its restrictions. My friend, Kevan, who did all the programming behind the old ACCESS site also died unexpectedly through Kidney failure and with his loss, I lost the ACCESS website, which I am now trying, being self taught, to build back up.
As Chair of the group, I must apologise for the lack of communications during these difficult times. I have spoken to the majority of the old stalwarts of the group and the word “old” is perhaps apt, as the majority of those who formed the committee are now in their 70’s or mid 70’s and have health problems themselves. In general, they do not wish to continue as committee, but like myself are prepared to assist and guide any new members to take this on.
If you are interested in assisting in moving this forward, please contact me, all responses will be treated in the strictest confidence. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Regular updates will be posted here.
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The following are links to articles or information about the Council's nature area behind Forest Road. This was originally called "Forest Road Nature Area" in 2006, and underwent a name change to reflect its more general proximity to Little Oak Plantation, when a volunteer group was established in the late 2016/2017. This group has collapsed due to Covid and the general age of the committee, many of whom have suffered illness themselves or other family illness related problems, which mean that they can no longer commit to this group.
We are looking for persons to take this over and ensure that this community asset is maintained and made available to the public, otherwise we will seek to return any small funds we have either to the local school for related nature projects or to the Council. Peter Olko - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Volunteer Friends of Oakwood Fields - Background
Ecology plans for Forest Road Nature Area
Constitution of the Volunteer friends of Oakwood fields/Meadows
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Here is the constitution:
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GOVERNMENTS MAGIC WEBSITE
Magic – normally when you click your fingers and say “Abracadabra” it disappears, but in this case go to Magic “click your mouse” and a whole host of National, Regional and Local natural environmental assets appear.
From Agricultural Land classification and Ancient Woodlands to Great Crested Newts, Limestone Pavements Cycle paths, it is all here. Find out why your local area is so special.
You do not need specialist software and can access maps using a standard web browser and if you prefer to dive straight in go here: Magic website
If you want pointers, just follow the text, especially the arrows in the examples below:
and finally, I un-ticked the boxes (so not to have so much clutter) and looked locally at Woodlands:
I leave you to look at the classification of other areas. Enjoy.
If you have difficulty, just give me advance notice, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. that you want to talk, then we can converse on the telephone me (when arranged) and I will talk/walk you through it.
Peter