THE National Trust says chopping down 25 per cent of the trees in selected wooded areas at Kinver Edge will improve conditions for the woodland and wildlife for years to come.

The Trust has announced it will be thinning the woodland of Redcliff Covert, to the north of Compton Road, and Gorse Covert, to the west of Kingsford Lane, to help trees grow stronger and allow wildlife to thrive.

Trust bosses say these areas are currently very densely packed with trees and they are struggling for light and space - and that by thinning the trees out this winter with a mix of heavy machinery and volunteers those that are left will have space to grow wider and stronger - and new young saplings planted will be able to thrive.

Ranger Ewan Chapman said: “We’ll be using a harvester to fell in total around 25 per cent of the trees. Then a forwarder will take the logs away, with some timber being left as deadwood habitat for the benefit of insects and fungi. It will be loud and look a bit messy for a couple months, with a few paths being temporarily closed.

"However in the long term there will be more light, more wildlife, and it will improve the longevity and health of these woodlands for future generations to explore and enjoy.”

Thinning the trees will create pockets of light which is also expected to benefit animals and plants - providing a boost for creatures such as butterflies like the White Admiral, the woodcock bird and woodland flowers.

The Trust says it will be selective about which trees are removed, and plant new chestnut, Rowan and beech saplings in some areas to make sure a variety of species are left and the biodiversity of the woods is improved.

The thinning work is expected to be finished in the new year, with the newly opened sunny glades set to turn green and leafy in the spring.