AN Ascot resident has complained after trees were felled during the nesting season of birds.

The trees were removed on Thursday, May 21 by Ascot and Sunninghill Parish Council as part of its woodland management plan in Blythewood, next to Blackmoor Stream.

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Lesley Steele, who lives behind the woodland, thought the works were "irresponsible" and could have been delayed until after the nesting period was over.

The resident spoke to the tree surgeons at the time to ask them to be considerate of the nests and fledglings after noticing the felled trees were knocking into others.

He said: "I feel that the council have acted irresponsibly in this matter as, although some of the trees needed thinning out, this work could have been safely left until later in the year.

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"I saw a tree being felled. I was concerned as it is nesting season. Therefore, I went into the woods and spoke to one of the workmen about my concerns. He said that they check to see if there is a nest in the tree and, if there is, they leave the tree for a later date. However, from the ground you cannot see if there is a nest high up in a tree or in the tree trunk itself and, as the trees were close together, I saw falling ones knocking into others, which could destroy nests in other trees."

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Admittedly, the Parish Council said the works should have taken place at an earlier data but they were delayed due to Covid-19.

They also said they are aware of nesting birds and take the serious duty of care to ensure no trees are taken down while there are nests in.

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A spokesperson said: "The Parish Council has been carrying out works at the woodland at Blythewood as part of an ongoing Woodland Management Plan which aims to enhance the habitat value of the area by retaining important habitat trees and thinning close grown areas to allow more light onto the forest floor, encouraging plants to grow and providing a greater range of insects and birds with a food source.

"The works should have taken place earlier in the year but were delayed due to the Covid-19 situation, however they have been carried out by professional tree surgeons who are qualified and licensed to do the work.

"They are aware of their legal obligation to protect nesting birds and take seriously their duty of care; each tree taken down was climbed and reduced individually, ensuring no tree was taken down that had a nest in it."