During a project to thin and fell old pines in Intake Wood near Clipstone in Nottinghamshire, trees within the wrong zone were felled.

Conducted by Newark and Sherwood District Council, the plan was to replace Corsican pine trees and "transitioning to broadleaf woodland typical of the ancient Sherwood Forest landscape," explains the council.

Planted around 80 years ago and just after World World Two, the pine trees were originally used to increase timber security.

Labour council leader Paul Peacock says the Forestry Commission were contacted once they learned trees located in the wrong zone were felled. He adds the council were given permission to carry out felling work over concerns trees could be a safety risk in high winds.

Since, the council has apologised and set up meetings with the public to discuss next stages with residents.

The Forestry Commission are aware of the situation, and contractor Foxtone Forestry comments:

"The Forestry Commission agreed that there was no malicious intent with the works that had gone ahead but an investigation would need to be conducted.

"The site is part of an overall plan to reduce the conifer stock and replace with hardwood which is part of a regeneration scheme to improve the biodiversity within Intake Wood, a scheme to improve habitat for birds and bugs."

An additional session with local residents has been set up for Friday 30 April.