South Lanarkshire Council say work to regenerate a woodland in East Kilbride will not harm wildlife in the area – after concerns were raised by an environmental campaigner.
Contractors have begun work which will eventually see a natural open space created at a former landfill in Glen Esk.
Councillors gave their backing to the project in May.
A woodland management plan was part of the consent which has seen some trees and bushes cut back or removed near Brancumhall and Morrishall Road.
That saw criticism from green campaigner and resident Alistair Hendry, who fears habitats for nesting birds and other wildlife were being destroyed in – right in the middle of breeding season.
It follows criticism of the felling of trees along Greenhills/Strathaven Road as part of dualling works.
Alistair told the News: “Masses of woodland have been destroyed right in the middle of breeding season in and around Brancumhall.
“And with trees and bushes gone the birds and other wildlife won’t return.
“The council seem hell-bent on taking away any natural greenspace we have and it’s time to take a stand. This is just the latest.
“They also couldn’t have picked a worst time, in the middle of summer. If some of the trees really had to go then why not wait until the summer was past?”
However, South Lanarkshire Council insist an inspection was carried out by an independent conservationist and “works will be continually monitored” to eliminate the risk of disturbing breeding/nesting birds and other wildlife.
Pauline Elliott, head of planning and economic development at SLC said works are being undertaken in accordance with planning consent.
She added: “The main premise of the plan is to retain trees unless they are dead, dying, diseased or dangerous.
“With regards to protected species, an ecologist survey was carried out prior to works commencing which are regularly monitored for compliance by an independent Conservation Manager on behalf SLC.”
