Trees had to be cut down in Kenilworth Common last week for safety reasons according to Warwick District Council.

Residents shared photographs and videos on social media of the trees being felled by council staff last Thursday (February 3), having been given no prior warning of the works.

But a council spokesperson said the condition of some of the trees meant they had to be brought down.

"The team have advised that the work is mainly for safety reasons due to the condition of the trees, with some habitat management involved," the spokesperson said to Nub News.

The council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust announced a new management plan to rejuvenate the common last February.

WDC said: "This work is part of a planned schedule of management with a long-term vision that the local nature reserve will benefit from increased light to the woodland floor and a greater diversity in age and structure of trees.

"This will hopefully make for a healthier common that is able to continue to provide a natural and amenity resource to the people of Kenilworth and the wider area.

"Kenilworth Common comprises both woodland and heathland habitats, which support a diverse range of wildlife including woodland birds, a variety of fungi, and some rarer species including glow worms and the common lizard, all which require active management of the site to ensure their success."

Click here to see our gallery of images of the Boxing Day cyclo-cross race on the common.