WOODLAND earmarked for a scheme to extend the golf course at the Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort would continue to thrive if it was left untouched, a public inquiry heard.

As reported, the resort is looking to create two championship standard courses but the project has been opposed by environmental activist because what they see as a threat to ancient woodland.

Part of the scheme would involve a management programme of the remaining ancient woodland around the course.

The resort says this would prevent the woodland from further degradation.

But on day two of the public inquiry, at the council's Pittwood House headquarters, the Woodland Trust put forward the case that the woods should be left as they are.

The trust's woodland restoration programme manager Tim Hodges said: "There is lots going on at that site which may be functioning on a different level but it is still functioning."

Mr Hodges added: "It is very much a recovering site and as far as vegetation is concerned, this is almost job done and the majority of it does not need a lot doing to it.

"It is looking very good and it is on the right trajectory."

Cross-examining, Forest Pines barrister Andrew Fraser-Urquhart referred to a site survey and asked Mr Hodges if it included any evidence that the wood was able to regenerate itself.

Mr Hodges said he would not expect this to be included as the main purpose of the survey was to determine whether the woodland should be added to the ancient woodland inventory.

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