AN Andover resident is battling to save a dense wildlife habitat from the chop by Test Valley Borough Council.

Jenny Furby, who lives in Sainsbury Close, is asking the council to take a more balanced approach to the removal of 30 conifer trees at Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve which are set to be removed in February.

The yoga instructor said: “What they are planning on doing will be quite devastating for the wildlife that resides there, there are birds nesting in there already.

“Leaving only 14 per cent of the trees will not be sufficient for birds and animals that live in that area.

“We therefore think a more balanced approach would be better.

“For example removing every other tree, or half the trees or lopping them as detailed in your five-year plan.”

Mrs Furby added that the removal of the trees would also create a loss of habitat for various species of bird including goldcrest, firecrest, and resident Tawny Owl.

She believes it will also cause disruption to water voles and damage to the river bank.

Jenny added: “When these trees are removed there may be an outcry from local nature lovers but of course it will then be too late.

“They’re supposed to cut them back every couple of years, but in the 12 years we’ve lived here I’ve only seen them do it once.”

Community and leisure portfolio holder, Councillor Tony Ward, said: “We are removing the trees for the long-term benefit of the local wildlife, which is always our main focus.

“The trees have grown too large to maintain and this is having a negative impact on the invertebrates living in the river as they receive less light, which in turn impacts on the fish which feed on them.

“The water voles are also affected by a lack of food and cover as the hedge prevents any plants from growing underneath it.

“The removal of the trees will also enable us to undertake restoration work to the river, which will further improve the area for wildlife. The trees will be replaced with willow and alder, which are more characteristic of this chalk stream habitat.

“Our parks and countryside experts always undertake thorough assessments before deciding to remove trees, and we have also consulted the Environment Agency and other local wildlife experts regarding the planned work, to ensure they are content with our proposed approach. There are not currently any nesting birds in the trees but we will undertake a further check before work is due to start.”