A local resident has spoken of her "disbelief" at discovering trees being felled in much-loved wood Piles Coppice for the first time in years.

Other locals say they are disappointed to see work take place, claiming ecologists and the wider public support a campaign against intervention.

But Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the charity behind the work, says it is vital to help wildlife and protect the wood's long-term future – and hit out against what it views as "misinformation" about the project.

Lisa Male, who lives in nearby Binley Woods, said she couldn't believe it when she heard chainsaws while walking in Piles Coppice last Wednesday (8 February).

She said she was not aware work would be taking place and said it wasn't happening in "trial plots" which had been shared with local groups.

"When I arrived on the scene and witnessed 3 contractors actually felling the trees in an area that I knew was not one of the trial plots I was very angry and upset and pleaded with them to stop," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS.)

Responding to the news, a group called the Friends of Piles Coppice who oppose intervention said they are "extremely disappointed" with the trust's work.

In a statement, the group said the "irreplaceable" trees are the habitats of rare birds and moths, and claimed they are worth thousands of pounds in amenity value and carbon storage.

"For the last few years, there has been a growing campaign opposing any intervention in this ancient and very important woodland," the group said. 

"Over 2,000 people have objected to trees being felled and eminent woodland ecologists have advised against it."

Lisa Male, who lives in nearby Binley Woods, said she couldn't believe it when she heard chainsaws while walking in Piles Coppice (image supplied)

A Change.org petition to 'Save Piles Coppice' has 2,259 signatures and a petition signed by 1,500 was presented to parliament in 2020 by Zarah Sultana MP.

Friends of Piles Coppice also claimed the trust had "stifled" locals and ignored promises last summer to work with locals to determine where trees would be cut down in the wood. 

They said: "Local people have been stifled or ignored and denied any right of reply or debate. 

"The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust agreed with the Forestry Commission that they would work with local Tree Wardens who know the wood and also a Warwickshire County ecologist to decide where the trial areas should be.

"This would have been in hidden areas near the edges of the wood and under no circumstances on the beautiful main pathway leading through the centre of the wood, the area that was subjected to the recent tree felling."

They also accused the trust of failing to protect its own trees while speaking out against HS2.

But Warwickshire Wildlife Trust defended its plans and said it had tried to engage with locals as much as possible.

The charity said its work will be carried out in less than five per cent of the coppice, affecting only selected lime, alder and hazel trees in small plots.

They said the woodland, which hasn't been managed for several decades, faces threats from a loss of variety and structure.

"By actively managing Piles Coppice by reintroducing coppicing and creating open spaces to let in sunlight, we will create light and shade, wetter and drier areas and ensure a varied structure to the woodland, which will support a much greater range of woodland species," it said.

"If we don't manage Piles Coppice, we will be failing not only the future of the wildlife around us, but future generations who will care as much about it then as we do now."

A member of the Coventry Tree Wardens surveying the felled trees at Piles Coppice (Image by Ann Wilson)

Responding to claims about the trust's transparency and work with local groups, a spokesperson said: "Throughout this process, we have tried to actively and positively engage with interested parties, including the Coventry Tree Wardens.

"We have reached out to the group with and have met with them on many occasions to talk through the plans, including discussing the areas of plot locations, the approach to management and wider site monitoring, but unfortunately, these meetings have been met with complete resistance to any woodland management taking place in Piles Coppice.

"Therefore, it has not been possible to work with the group in the positive way we hoped for.

"As a charity, with limited resources and who's aim is to safeguard nature, we must ensure this vital work takes place for the future of the woodland.

"As we are responsible for the site, its safety and the successful delivery of the agreed plans, we cannot allow a third party to determine the exact work areas."

It added: "We have been extremely transparent about the work we are doing and the valid reasons for the work.

"There has been much misinformation shared in the community about the work, which we have actively engaged with, to dispel any myths or rumours."

The Woodland Trust said: "While this work may initially look severe, it is designed to stimulate new growth by allowing light in and enabling the woodland and its wildlife to thrive.

"It will provide more space for the retained trees to be stronger and healthier as well as allow space for the next generation of trees to grow, ensuring the longevity of the woodland."

Responding to the 2020 petition, then Environment Minister Zac Goldsmith said that: "The Government support the preservation of Piles Coppice Wood by reducing the risk of its decline through careful management.

"The Forestry Commission is already engaging with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and will provide advice and support on their management, including any necessary tree felling within this valuable woodland."