A council's decision to fell trees on a Suffolk heath has caused a councillor to bristle, fearing the move will affect biodiversity and the ability to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.

Staff from East Suffolk Council have been cutting down Scots pine trees on Sutton Heath as part of a heathland restoration plan to restore a more ecologically valuable habitat.

Self-sewn pine trees - grown from seeds dropped by dying trees - have caused a steep decline in certain wildlife species.

Councillor James Mallinder has called for the felling of trees at Sutton Heath to be suspendedCouncillor James Mallinder has called for the felling of trees at Sutton Heath to be suspended (Image: East Suffolk Council) READ MORE: Why it's good to cut down trees at Suffolk's Sutton Hoo

The clearance project on two hectares of the heath aims to encourage the growth of shrubs, including heather, gorse and bramble, which will provide a habitat for common lizards, adders and invertebrates such as the green tiger and minotaur beetles.

In turn, these species will encourage birds such as Dartford warblers, nightjars, stonechats and woodlarks.

However, East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder, a former cabinet member for the environment, said he was "shocked and disappointed" that the trees were being cut during National Tree Week, from November 23 to December 1, which aims to celebrate the tree.

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The Tory councillor, who represents Deben ward, called for the tree felling to be suspended.

He said the area was an established habitat and well used by walkers who enjoyed the "special peace" from walking between the trees.

Councillor Sally Noble reminded Cllr Mallinder that he was the cabinet member for the environment when the tree felling was agreedCouncillor Sally Noble reminded Mr Mallinder that he was the cabinet member for the environment when the tree felling was agreed (Image: East Suffolk Council) He added: "I find it really uncomfortable in the middle of National Tree Week that East Suffolk Council is felling trees.

"It breaks my heart that the council seems to fail to understand the emergency of supporting our wildlife and this felling of trees is against the wishes of all local stake holders."

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However, responding to Mr Mallinder, East Suffolk councillor Sally Noble, the current cabinet member for the environment, reminded him that he was the cabinet member for the environment when the decision to fell the trees was made.

She said: "Unfortunately, Mr Mallinder appears to have forgotten that he was the cabinet member here at East Suffolk Council when the decision to undertake this work was made.

"So, unless he is just playing political games, it is a great shame that he now fails to grasp or remember the very important environmental and ecological reasons for a scheme he himself approved.

“Additionally, despite his assertions, the leader of the council has yet to receive any correspondence from him on this topic."