I agree with Jonathan Denby (Podium, November 13) that carefully designed and democratically agreed removal of trees can in some situations restore and create beautiful landscape, often more quickly than new planting.

A local example of large scale clearance is the white limestone summit of Whitbarrow Scar that once again shines in the sun after the removal of the black pine plantation. And who can miss the wonderful views that have been opened up by the removal of conifers along the shores of Thirlmere?

Felling can also produce useful timber and firewood and while the felling may look like devastation for a while, wildlife habitats are often rejuvenated and reinvigorated.

In response to concern that woodland clearance was going too far, in 2008–2010 the Forestry Commission carried out an even-handed consultation on the conversion of woods and forests to open land to ensure a more balanced approach.

Despite this progress, for all sorts of reasons there is often resistance to sensible tree management and it is sometimes also inhibited by ponderous bureaucracy - and the whole situation for society continues to be made worse by government cuts.

Roger N. Cartwright

Silverdale