CHOPPED Some of the trees cut down on Stokes Common in Hayling Island. Picture: Malcolm Wells (120088-9590)
AN INVESTIGATION is under way after several trees in an ancient woodland have been chopped down.
Havant Borough Council and the police are looking into reports of trees at Stoke Common, Hayling Island, being felled.
The woodland, which is thought to be home to bats, has a blanket Tree Preservation Order and it is a criminal offence to fell or damage any protected tree.
The beauty spot, off Havant Road, hit the headlines two years ago when residents helped to raise £30,000 to aid Hampshire County Council’s bid to buy the land and keep it as a wildlife oasis.
But a mystery buyer outbid residents by snapping up the land for £120,000.
Paul Fisher, chairman of Hayling Island Residents’ Association, said: ‘There’s a lot of concern. It’s an important bit of natural woodland and salt marsh.’
Continue reading Concerns as ancient trees on Hayling Island are hacked down
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