WORK has started on a controversial plan to restore a rare patch of wetland near Winchester to its former glory.

The buzz of chainsaws and pillars of smoke filled the air as sycamore trees were chopped down and burned by workmen at Clausentum Fen.

The work, which received a £500 grant from Winchester City Council, has been commissioned by the Clausentum Fen Conservation Group, local people who hope that the removal of the trees will help to stop the fen drying out, and help to restore the natural biodiversity of the extremely rare peat over chalk fen land.

The group’s conservation officer, Mike Gibbons, told the Chronicle: “When you have got a rare piece of land that is part of our heritage, a fen. Why would you let it go to waste?”

However, at least one local resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, is not happy. She said: “The Hampshire Wildlife Trust will say that they are restoring the Fen, as they have St Faith’s Meadow, but one man’s restoration is another man’s destruction of habitat. It is being bulldozed I believe.

“It was home to lots of birds and other wildlife. I am not sure how far the clearance will extend. Although a few emails were sent out to residents very close to the Fen, the wider community was not consulted.”

When asked about the claims Clausentum Fen Conservation Group chairman, Marcus Swalwell said: “We have done our best to keep the community informed about the project. Everybody we have spoken to have been very positive.”

The episode is a classic example of the differing views between conservationists and local people over the future of sites. Local people have got used to the wooded views even if they are relatively new. Naturalists point out that too many trees are taking too much water from the ground and fundamentally changing the ecosystem.

Sycamores too have limited ecological value supporting only around 15 species of insects unlike oaks which support more nearly 300.

l Write to letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or post to 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester.