A CENTURY-OLD beech wood in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) is to be given the chop under plans by Natural England.

The government body, which advises on environmental issues, is to clear the two-and-a-half acre site in a scheme to restore wetland habitats in the Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve.

But Roger Cartwright, 81, from Silverdale, who is a retired landscape architect and conservation worker, said the measures were unnecessary.

"It's a beautiful place," he said. "I've known it for around 50 years. Over time it has gradually grown up and it is now on the point of becoming quite a beautiful wood with lots of beautiful tall beech trees.

"Over the last 100 years or so the whole history of the Arnside and Silverdale area has been the colonisations of woodlands as grazing has slowed down.

"There's the opportunity to actually enrich it so it's really a bad thing to destroy those woodland conditions.

"There is no need to fell it."

A spokesperson for Natural England said that work had been going on for the last two years to restore wetland habitat within the reserve, which forms part of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB.

The spokesperson said: "While Natural England is planning to remove a small area of beech trees in the reserve, this is part of wider plans to protect wildlife and restore the rare and protected grassland and peatland habitats the area is known for – while also improving disabled access to the area.

"As part of this project, a single small sluice has also been introduced to raise the water levels within a small wetland in the reserve. The water levels of the wider Hawes Water lake will not be affected as a result of this.

"Natural England has been carrying out regular engagement with the local community on its plans and will continue to seek views from all those with a vested interest."

Details from the Arnside and Silverdale AONB website show that the beech tree plantation to be felled is just under one hectare.

It adds: "A sluice and culvert at the end of white scar will be constructed, to raise and control the water level of Little Hawes Water and create a bridge for cattle – this will return the water level of Little Hawes Water back to its original height before a channel between the two water bodies was constructed just over 100 years ago. The change in water level will happen gradually over the course of a number of years and will be managed and monitored carefully."

L Natural England were due to start felling the trees on Monday but have agreed to hold off to allow for a period of consultation.