TWO of AltonÕs favourite arboricultural havens are to be included in EnglandÕs largest-ever ancient woodland restoration project.

Chawton Park Wood and Bushey Leaze Wood are to form part of a major Forestry Commission project which will cover a total of more than 10,700 hectares across nine counties in south east England.

To be appropriately known as ÔWoodscapeÕ, the aim of the project is to restore woodlands to their native state, as they might have been in medieval times.

According to district forester Stan Abbott, up to 150 woodland blocks will be affected in an area stretching from Luton to the Isle of Wight, and from Andover to Canterbury.

ÒWoodscape is the most exciting project of its kind in England. We are aiming to enrich the countryside for future generations.

ÒForests will become more diverse and interesting for visitors. A vast range of new wildlife habitats will be created.Ó

Now at the stage of having identified those ancient sites Òworthy of protectionÓ, the aim over the next five years is to produce detailed plans for each forest that would give local communities the type of woodlands they want.

A steering group has already been set up to create a strategy, representing a wide range of views. Eleven bodies are involved, including English Nature, Butterfly Conservation, wildlife trusts and local authorities. Expected in time for Christmas, the strategy will form the basis for the planning stage.

A long-term process which, at times will see felling areas looking bad, Òit will turn out for the betterÓ assured Mr Abbott.

ÒWhile people will see changes occur as soon as work gets under way, the full effect of Woodscape will take up to 100 years to develop.Ó

Over the past 150 years many sites have been planted with conifers and some with beech, which may not have been natural to the area. Furthermore, there are many threatened species in the South East which it is hoped to reintroduce.

An important feature of the scheme will therefore be the replacement of areas of conifer with native broad-leaved species and natural regeneration of local trees will be encouraged.

The largest of the two local sites at 209 hectares (500 acres), Chawton Park Wood is subject at present to felling work under the old regime but plans are already afoot to make adjustments - possibly by allowing former conifer sites to be re-seeded with oak and ash.

At Bushy Leaze the 86 hectare (200 acre) site has suffered over past years from the introduction of western red cedar among the beech and the Forestry Commission is currently negotiating ways of removing the cedar and introducing some oak.

ÒWe donÕt want to do anything at this stage which will prejudice the ÔWoodscapeÕ scheme in the future,Ó explained Mr Abbott.

The age structure of woods will also be broken up creating a landscape of trees at all stages of development. Forest rides will be widened and their edges shaped to give a greater sense of space and provide new habitats for creatures like butterflies.

ÔWoodscapeÕ will be supported financially by the harvesting of a large number of trees, to ensure continued support for the regionÕs timber industries and generating valuable income for the nation.

ÒEvery piece of timber will carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark, proving it comes from an environmentally sound and responsibly managed source,Ó said the forester.

For further information about ÔWoodscapeÕ ring Stan Abbott on 01420 23666.