You said: Living in a clean area was your fourth top priority in our 2004 MORI Survey

Cleaner and greener - Protecting and improving our environment

  • you say that you want recycling to be expanded and made easier and more accessible. Litter, abuse of bridleways, abandoned cars and fly-tipping all affect people’s sense of wellbeing and better management of these issues was called for
  • local communities feel proud of their heritage and actively work to protect and improve their environment. Protecting the green belt across the county was very important to your quality of life and you think well planned developments are key to this
  • your local environment - whether it be in built-up areas, villages or countryside, is very important to everyone. The natural environment, footpaths, wildlife and biodiversity, access to country parks, nature reserves, sport and recreation and tranquility are all valued
  • young people and children want access to safe play areas, free from needles and dog waste, and almost everyone feels that a pleasant place to live - without graffiti, litter or that 'run down' feeling - greatly improves the quality of our lives
  • transport issues, such as bus lanes, park and ride schemes and the enhancement of rural transport are also thought to be key in protecting the environment and character of villages and towns in the county. In addition, cycling and rights of way, highway and footpath maintenance are all seen to be important.

We know:

We are among the top performers in the country for recycling, with recycling rates reaching 31 per cent for 2004/05. Whilst Gedling and Rushcliffe are performing well above the national average, there is still more to be done to improve the rates in all parts of the county.

'Nottinghamshire has been praised for its sustainable energy use.'

In terms of the natural and historic environment, our key assets are Sherwood Forest and the Trent valley but we benefit from other important areas such as the Greenwood Community Forest and the Chesterfield and Grantham canals. Multi-agency partnerships are working to conserve, enhance and capitalise on the regeneration and tourism potential of all of these areas. Additionally in the last year alone we have almost doubled the size of the network of Local Nature Reserves.

Climate change is an important issue which links the local with the global and necessitates a joined-up response by many organisations working together. As part of this work we know that Co2 emissions across the county are being tackled and Nottinghamshire has been praised for its sustainable energy use.

During the last year, 240 local environmental improvement schemes were carried out, working with local communities to revamp town centres, improve the appearance of housing estates and enhance the quality of the local countryside.

How do you rate this information / service?