A LOGGING programme in Hampshire woodland has been branded “sacrilege” amid fears it could have a devastating effect on nesting birds.

Between 7,000 and 10,000 trees have been chopped down in Ampfield Woods as part of a routine cycle of felling in the area.

Forestry Commission experts, who carried out the work, say the programme is a vital way of nurturing native tree species in the woods and efforts were made to avoid harming wildlife.

But bird-lover Roger Hurst has condemned the timing of the operation, claiming nesting coal tits, woodpeckers and goldcrests may have perished.

RSPB bosses also say felling should be kept to a minimum during breeding season.

Mr Hurst said: “It is sacrilege.

“One of the reasons given was to encourage the growth of natural tree species, which, yes, they may achieve, but if we all acted with their cavalier attitude, they could be devoid of bird life.

“Why organisations such as the Forestry Commission cannot stop tree felling from March to July or August to help the bird population potentially increase is beyond me.”

Most of the felling, on private land, was of conifers planted in the 1950s and 60s for the timber industry.

Hester Phillips, from the RSPB, said felling operations should only be conducted during the bird-breeding season in exceptional circumstances.

She added: “The Forestry Commission has assured us that in this instance they had undertaken the necessary bird surveys, and that the work was essential at this time of year for the long-term conservation of the site, but we would still advise that the best practice is to avoid felling in the breeding season.”

Nick Haslett, Forester for West Hampshire, said operational reasons were behind the decision to act and that thinning and clearing of trees would lead to a healthier habitat in the long run.

He said: “I can understand why people may not fully appreciate the reasons why this has to be done and it is challenging for people to see trees chopped down,” he said.

“But it is something we take a lot of care in doing.

“We have controls in place to minimise damage.

“The harvest of trees continues all year round throughout the South of England. There is not sufficient time or manpower to restrict the felling to the quietest months in terms of habitat considerations.”