FEARS that the Forestry Commission are annihilating multi species in the new Forest was voiced at the Verderers Court on Friday as two presentments were made on Friday.

Concern has been raised that many restoration projects being carried out are ill-prepared and destructive to wildlife, particularly during the bird nesting season.

And now it is time to "put a stop to this trail of destruction" - according to Hyde resident John Fryer.

Mr Fryer said: "I came to this court just over three years ago, to express my horror at what had been done to some of the brooks, streams, and other watercourses.

"I am amazed that after three years this perpetual ruination of the watercourses and their associated habitats, is still being allowed to continue. The persistent perpetrators of this heinous crime against nature and our heritage have proven beyond doubt that this scheme does not work.

"They are unable to repair the extensive damage they have already caused to the fragile habitats of many birds, mammals, fish, insects and micro-organisms. The flora, many of which are rare and indigenous, are also being destroyed.

"Verderers, as custodians, have the ancient right to control what is actually taking place here. Now is the time to say “enough is enough”- more than enough, in fact,

"If this type of activity had been taking place on private land, particularly if that land had been awarded SSSI status, or similar, DEFRA would have called a halt to “work” as soon as it started.

"Quite rightly, the annihilation of multi species habitat in this situation would never be endorsed or indeed, permitted."

Commoner Beryl Bull made her presentment regarding the restoration work at Amberslade and Broomy Inclosure which, she claims, was done during the peak bird nesting season.

She said: "May and June are busy months for birds, with the breeding season in full swing for most species, yet, this was the time when the Forestry Commission started restoration work for the second time on Amberslade and Broomy Inclosure.

"The huge diggers were carting the enormous amounts of materials along the once small forest tracks to where great mounds of clay, heather bales and large stones were being stored,this turning the tracks into a deep wide muddy mess, causing unnecessary disturbance to the birds, wildlife and their habitat.

"The tracks around the woods are so wide now that they look as though they could hold a Grand Prix race. The woods are now unrecognisable."

The Forestry Commission is filling drainage dykes created in the 1950s to bring back the meandering streams that support wildlife.

Conservationists are hoping the restored river and wetlands will encourage a return of invertebrates and aquatic plants.

Forestry commission ecologist Sarah Oakley said: "The scheme offers considerable benefits to wildlife in the forest."

The Verderers did not give a comment to the Forest Journal. However, clerk to the Verderers, Sue Westwood issued this statement.

"The Official Verderer will make a statement at the next Open Court on September 16 explaining why the Verderers support the principle of wetland restoration projects."

A website, friendsoflatchmore.co.uk, was launched to save Latchmore Brook and other sensitive parts of the forest from restoration works planned by the Forestry Commission.