Neighbours and users of Bramshott Chase near Liphook have slammed the National Trust for “obliterating” a wood that sheltered the local beauty spot from the A3.

Recent tree felling by the trust has left a scene of “devastation”, say locals, while the wood’s small car park has been left in a “complete state” and bonfires have filled gardens with smoke since the beginning of the year.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The National Trust has decimated hundreds of trees and obliterated a wood that protected the residents (and wildlife) from the noise, light, and air pollution directly off the A3.

“You can now clearly see and hear the cars and lorries zoom past, and view the lights from the BMW garage at night.”

There are also concerns a barrier preventing cars from parking in the Bramshott Chase car park has led to problem parking on nearby roads.

And residents have accused the National Trust of failing to keep residents informed on the works.

A National Trust spokesperson said: “Tree felling is an essential part of our responsibility to maintain and improve this area of rare lowland heath and uphold our Stewardship Agreement obligations.

“Prior to closing the small car park for this work to be done, our ranger team hand-delivered letters to local residents and put out advance notice signs along the road, asking drivers to be considerate and not to park in neighbouring roads. They invited people to get in contact with any concerns but no-one did.

“We are re-opening this car park as soon as weather conditions and contractor availability allows.”

The trust also denied rumours it plans to double the size of the Bramshott Chase car park, saying: “There are, and never have been, any plans to increase the size of the car park.”