Anger over Mountfield woodland "desecration"

Dr Lois Harris, who lives in London Road, close to the British Gypsum site, says a number of trees have been earmarked for felling and fears much of the woodland could be lost.

The trees stand on private land and the owner does have permission to cut them down, although it is not known how many will be felled.

But psychiatrist Dr Harris says losing any of the trees would be "desecration" and would harm habitat for wildlife.

She said: "I'm appalled.

"This is desecration of the most beautiful areas around Battle.

"It's got all this wildlife living in harmony and it's lovely and people come from a long, long way to see it.

"It's horrendous. It's going to impact on so many people's lives.

"It's a beautiful spot and it's been there since who knows when."

Dr Harris, who has lived at her Mountfield home for eight years, says she has parked her car in front of an entrance to the woodland to block access.

She said: "I just cannot let this go ahead.

"When people come through to go and visit they won't believe there is no woods any more."

Rother District Council confirmed to the Observer the Forestry Commission had granted the landowner a felling licence for the land.