WORK to replenish a forest near Winchester with 50,000 new saplings has got underway.

The trees - which include Oak, Ash, Cherry and Sweet Chestnut varieties - will be planted at Ampfield Wood by the Forestry Commission.

They are replacing trees that have been harvested for the fencing, pallets, cladding, gates, fuel, furniture and construction.

Forester Nick Hazlitt said: "Some people are understandably concerned when they see trees being cut down but it's fine when it's part of a managed programme, as long as the trees are being replaced.

"Wood really is a sustainable resource and less energy is needed to make wooden products rather than things made from plastic, concrete or steel, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels."

The commission says the new species will support a greater diversity in wildlife, flora and fauna and will also be more resilient to warmer, drier summers and milder, wetter winters.

Mr Hazlitt added: "The trees that we are planting will be around for hundreds of years, not just decades. No one can know exactly what the climate and weather will be in the future, but we plan to make our woodlands as robust and flexible as possible."