The Surrey Hills have come alive with the sound of chainsaws as a controversial felling project has begun at a treasured beauty spot – with one opponent calling the scheme ‘ecocide”.

The axe is set to fall on swathes of pine woodland between Beacon Hill and Churt as part of a major heathland restoration project at Green Farm, writes Marcus Fairweather and Paul Ferguson.

Some footpaths have been temporarily closed and areas have been taped off as the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) plans to clear the pine plantation behind Linkside North and Eight Acres.

But there’s been hefty opposition to the scale and severity of the project with Greg Stafford MP also asking questions about a scheme that will radically alter a landscape that’s been unchanged for decades.

The felling programme has begun and is expected to continue until November but there was limited evidence in the woods immediately north of Linkside when the Herald visited last Tuesday afternoon.

The area, as always, was popular with dog walkers but most seemed unsure about the exact nature of the work.

HH Beacon Hill Woods PIC1.jpg
Some areas of the woods north of Beacon Hill have been taped off ahead of felling. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“It’s meant to be all going,” said one walker, with another adding: “I suppose it will be nice when it’s all cleared – we’ll get a nice view of Aldershot in the distance.”

There’s also been a lot of dismay on social media with one villager asking: “What about the deer and badgers?

“If you want heathland, then go to Frensham. This is a magical wood and the needless destruction amounts to ecocide.

Another opponent questioned whether the project was being true to the spirit of benefactor John Broadbent-Jones who gave Green Farm to the CRT as a legacy donation.

“A project of this scale inevitably raises questions, particularly when it involves felling trees on land that so many people walk and enjoy every day,” added Mr Stafford after visiting a recent CRT community event.

“While the relevant authorities are responsible for licensing and overseeing the works, I will ensure the Trust is held to account for its commitments on wildlife protection, public access and minimising disruption.”

The project, which also aims to boost natural regeneration on existing heathland bordering Green Farm, is part of Heathland Connections.

Green Farm Beacon Hill Churt CRT Community Day
Greg Stafford MP visited the Green Farm community day where the Countryside Regeneration Trust outlined its plans for the site. (CRT)

It has been defended as a necessity by the CRT as part of a greater bid to revive lowland heathland – an ultra-rare habitat which has decreased by around 83 per cent in the UK since the 19th century.

“Protecting wildlife has been central to our planning,” said Helena Darragh, CRT head of conservation.

“Extensive ecological surveys have been undertaken by Surrey Wildlife Trust Ecological Services, alongside monitoring by our volunteers and information provided by local residents.

“This evidence has directly influenced our plans.

“By restoring and expanding heathland habitat, we aim to increase populations of reptiles like adders, common lizards and slow worms, along with species such as Dartford warblers, nightjars, grayling butterflies.

“Habitat improvements will also benefit other species such as bats and other small mammals through coppicing and glade creation.”