A PROTESTER has says he is “horrified” at potential destruction of trees in a Southampton wooded area.

Dozens of residents gathered at Marlhill Copse, the area south of the A27, on Saturday in a bid to raise awareness of planned tree works which they fear could destroy the green space in the city.

Southampton Airport said it bought the land in August last year to chop down and prune trees in the area.

Now a planning application for tree work at the site has been submitted to Southampton City Council, sparking a series of concerns.

The work will involve felling 27 trees, coppicing and crown reduction. But airport bosses said they do not have plans for development. They said the airport is legally required to manage the height of trees in areas close to the runway.

But residents fear the work will have a negative impact on the environment, the wildlife and the character of the area.

Gareth Narbed, 61, a pensioner from Bitterne Park, organised the walk and meeting on Saturday.

He said: “This all started when I went for a walk from my house to the Garden Centre and Craft Shop in Mansbridge Road and came across the tree-felling markings in Marlhill Copse. It was my horror at the destruction proposed that led me to find out what was going on and organise the walk to find out what other people thought.”

More than 25 people took part in the walk.

“I remain amazed by the number of people who turned up and the mix of their ages and background,” Mr Narbed added.

He said residents and members of the Friends of Marlhill Copse are now considering what is the best step forward.

But five letters of complaints have also been submitted to the council.

In his letter Simon Oldham raised concerns about the impact the work will have on air pollution. He added: “The loss of many of these trees will be a loss of protection for the houses in the area and to the ward in general.”

Southampton Airport said a public consultation on the work was held at the end of January.

A spokeswoman for the airport explained the work is to ensure planes can take off and land safely. She added: “Although a large number of trees in the copse have been marked and may need some form of management, the vast majority of those trees marked are minor crown reductions which will not affect the trees. Whilst we cannot confirm exact start date at this time, work will be completed within a relatively short time-frame, and we aim to have all works completed by next spring. The footpath will remain and access gates will be installed on completion to prevent fly tipping but still allow people, bikes and dog walkers to pass through the area.”

She also said the airport is working at plans to maintain the ancient woodland.