Designated site details and development pressures
Sherwood Forest possible potential SPA (ppSPA) has been notified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and identified as an indicative core area by Natural England due to breeding populations of nightjar and woodlark within Sherwood Forest. These species of bird are sensitive to disturbance effects caused by urbanisation and increased recreational pressure.
Local plan details and best practice
The Ashfield District Council Local Plan is currently in the process of assessing main modifications to the Local Plan following the Examination in Public. The Regulation 19 Submission Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan contains polices to ensure the protection of the Sherwood Forest ppSPA from recreation and urbanisation impacts (Ashfield Local Plan 2023 to 2040: Regulation 19 Pre-Submission Draft, October 2023). Policy EV4 (point 5) sets out measures to protect the ppSPA from disturbance and implement Natural England’s 2014 Advice Note to LPAs regarding the consideration of likely effects on the breeding population of Nightjar and Woodlark in the Sherwood Forest region in relation to the ppSPA. It applies a buffer zone to aid decision making.