A neighbour has reacted with fury over a project to cut 90 per cent of trees down at a forest near Bracknell.

Bracknell Forest Council has announced a project to cut down trees at Crowthorne's Buckler's Forest nature reserve.

Announced as 'tree work' the council has stated that only 10 per cent of the Scots Pine in the forest will remain, with cleared areas being replaced with native broadleaved trees and converting one area to the south into lowland heath.

The project has provoked a furious reaction from one neighbour, who has accused Bracknell Forest Council of insulting the intelligence of people living in Buckler's Park.

The neighbour said: "It's insulting to our intelligence, it's a revenue exercise and people are being lied to their faces.

"They want to fell 90 per cent of the indigenous Scots Pine.

"There's nothing more flammable than scrub and heathland.

"They say it's a conservation exercise, but they're ripping the forest down. It's a sick joke."

The man did not provide his name, but said he has lived in  Buckler's Park for three years.

He continued: "There's uproar on the Buckler's Park Facebook page. People are majorly pissed off.

"People moved here because of the way the development was made. We bought into the forest being part of the lifestyle here.

"They're going to rip the backside out of the forest.

"They are lying and insulting the intelligence of the population for financial gain."

The man contended that the pines will be sold off for logging once the project is complete.

Buckler's Forest was established as a suitable alternative natural green space (SANG) for Buckler's Park, a development of 1,000 homes.

Bracknell Forest Council has rebuffed claims that it is a 'money-making exercise'.

Stephen Chown, the council's head of natural estate, said: “The council is aware of a mistaken belief that the upcoming improvements at Buckler’s Forest are financially motivated and will generate income to fund other council services. This is not the case.

“The forestry work forms part of the developer’s agreed plan for the site, which now is included in the 10-year woodland management plan approved by the Forestry Commission.

“The work will create sustainable habitats and a more diverse landscape for wildlife and visitors.

“The site is owned by the Land Trust, a charitable body which contracts with the council’s Parks and Countryside service to deliver on the agreed plans for the site. No surplus funds could be diverted to other council services.

“This project is expected to be cost-neutral, with any timber sale proceeds covering the costs of tree removal and replanting.

“It is acknowledged that any plans for tree removal are daunting until new plants are established, so we remain committed to sharing information about the project.  More information about the scheme, including the biodiversity and other benefits, are published on the Buckler’s Forest tree work page of our website.”

The work is due to begin in autumn and take four weeks to complete.