Meet the couple tidying up 'neglected' woodland

Armed with a litter picker and black bin bags, a retired couple have spent the last few months picking up rubbish and tidying a wood in Nottingham.

Karen and Paul Bausor have lived opposite Sellers Wood in Bulwell for 45 years.

They walk their dog and take their grandchildren to play there, but Mrs Bausor told the BBC the area had recently become "overgrown and disgusting", and her husband said it was "neglected".

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council, which manages the site, said the authority accepted that parts of the woodland were in need of "extensive intervention".

Mr Bausor said the area had been full of wildlife, including kingfishers and newts, and plants like the early purple orchid.

"It was so beautiful," the 67-year-old said.

"You wouldn't believe you were in the middle of a council estate, but now it's all neglected.

"There are three inner-city primary schools around here, and they used to look at the trees and flowers, but now no-one comes."

Mrs Bausor, 66, said it was not just litter that she was concerned about.

"A ranger used to clear the paths, cut back the dead trees, and strim the meadow, but I've not seen anyone in a couple of months, so everything is overgrown," she explained.

"That's putting people off coming because it's so dark, and every time I hear footsteps or someone walking behind me, I jump.

"No light can get in."

Corall Jenkins, executive member for neighbourhoods, waste and equalities at Nottingham City Council, said: "Keeping the city's green spaces clean and tidy is an important priority for the council.

"Our teams are scheduled to empty the litter bins at Sellers Wood Nature Reserve on a twice weekly basis and we will be talking to the teams to ensure that this is happening."

Jenkins said the authority had also applied for funding to carry out "much needed" site improvements.

"The proposed project will focus on enhancing both the ecological health of the woodland and the visitor experience through a range of initiatives," she added.

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