Sharphill Wood to stay unscathed

There has been evidence of a wood at Sharphill since 1835

For more than 100 years, Sharphill Wood has been a south Nottingham landmark - and wildlife experts are confident it will remain unscathed for much longer.

Located on a hill near Nottingham, it is easily viewed by those travelling to and from the city along the A52 or A60.

There was an outcry when proposals were first submitted by Bovis Homes and David Wilson Homes to build 1200 houses close to the woodland.

Revised plans were eventually approved, but the trees themselves will remain.

The truth is, the wood was never under threat despite its occupation by environmental protestors.

Erin McDaid from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said: "It's very prominent on the horizon. It's iconic. (People) see it on their way to work and as they move around they're aware of the wood even if they haven't visited it."

The history

The Friends of Sharphill Wood have erected signs at its entrance

There has been evidence of a wood at Sharphill since 1835, but it was not until 1887 that records suggest it was the size and shape of the one we know today.

It covers almost 24 acres and is a mixed broad leaved wood comprising oak, ash, sycamore and beech.

The birds that live in the wood are similar to those you will see in your own garden because the wood is on the edge of an urban area.

When news first broke that a housing development was planned there was a concerted effort to save the wood, including its occupation by environmental protestors.

Never a threat

But wildlife trust spokesman Erin McDaid said the wood itself was never in danger.

"There was a lot of confusion at the time about the direct threat. The wood was never going to be built on. The pressure was on the adjacent land.

"It's not helpful when there's confusion as to what is and what isn't going to be developed."

"The future of the wood has been secured in a variety of ways," says Erin.

"One of those has been the increased local awareness of the value and beauty of the wood.

"But we've also worked with Rushcliffe Borough to establish the wood as a local nature reserve and we've also now got an official 'friends of' group that work alongside the wildlife trust to manage this wood."

Paths are being developed to cope with an increase in public use

The development of 1200 new homes next to Sharphill means more and more people will be using the wood.

To cope with demand, designated paths are being developed which will protect the wood and its wildlife.

But more families means a new threat, most notably from the domestic cat.

It is Rushcliffe Borough Council that has approved the plans for 1200 houses, saying the new accommodation is needed to keep up with housing demands over the next 10 years.

The plans include greenbelt land which is used as a buffer between houses and the wood.

Despite the concerns voiced by some residents, Erin McDaid is confident Sharphill will remain relatively unscathed.

"It's vital to Nottingham. People need an escape. They need to come into daily contact with wildlife.

"People realise the value of green space, of stress relief, of peace and tranquility."

Continued vigilance

The wood has survived for hundreds of years but there is always the danger of renewed threats.

"There's a real worry that other areas of surrounding land will come up as part of the planning process," said Mr McDaid.

"The increased designation we've secured for the wood should ensure it's protected but there are many areas that could be a target for housing over the next 15 to 20 years."