Walkers have been left “absolutely stunned” after part of a woodland at the heart of Sherwood Forest was found to have been chopped down when it should not have been.
Newark and Sherwood District Council admitted contractors had felled some trees they were not supposed to as part of a long-term project to introduce more native species at Intake Wood in Clipstone.
The alleged illegal felling, which is being investigated by the Forestry Commission, has infuriated residents living nearby, who were already angry about the large-scale removal of pine trees.
“I’m absolutely stunned. If I had done that as a resident I’d be quite rightly held accountable for that,” said Carl Atkin, who has lived in the area for 17 years.
“I’m angry and upset because ultimately they’ve done work they shouldn’t have. They’re completely devastating the landscape.
“The contractors chopped down trees illegally and they’ve been allowed four days later to carry on working.”
Councillor Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the authority was investigating the accidental felling of a section of trees situated towards the western edge of the woodland.
“We are aware that a section of woodland has been felled when it was not supposed to be. This was not part of the plan, and we are investigating what has happened,” he said.
“We are committed to doing everything possible, working with the Forestry Commission, to identify why this occurred, and take action to put things right.
“We will continue to work with the local community to provide updates on our investigation.”
The Forestry Commission were contacted for comment.
Local residents John Flowers, Alan Sands and Carl Atkin -Credit:Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC
Lying within the heart of the historic Sherwood Forest area, Intake Wood has been in the hands of Newark and Sherwood District Council since 2006 after previously being owned by housing developers Vistry Group.
Speaking previously, Cllr Peacock said the ongoing work was important to ensure the woodland was “protected for generations to come”.
He said the area was transitioning from non-native Corsican Pine trees, which are grown for timber, to broadleaf woodland, which usually consists of deciduous trees such as oak, ash, beech and birch.
While the work, which began in November and is planned to end by May, was supposed to be a slow transition, the thinning of some pine trees had increased the risk that the remaining trees could fall onto nearby houses, according to Cllr Peacock.
He said contractors were checking each tree for nests before chopping it down and had held discussions with officers from the Forestry Commission and other environmental professionals.
However, people living nearby have been left shocked by the speed and scale of the work, claiming it had left some paths in a “treacherous” condition.
They also raised questions over the timing of the work, which coincides with bird nesting season.