Swinley Forest fire recovery plans to go on show

In September mulching machines were used to mow down burnt trees and clear the first 40 hectares of the forest

Up to 120,000 trees could be planted by the Forestry Commission as it seeks to repair the damage done by May's fire at Swinley Forest in Berkshire.

The three week fire was the largest, in terms of resources, ever dealt with by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The public is to be asked for its views at a meeting in Crowthorne later.

A spokesman said: "We wanted to let as many people as possible be a part of the forest recovery."

Clear-up work started earlier this month when mulching machinery weighing 20 tonnes removed burnt trees and prepared 40 hectares (98 acres) of damaged woodland.

The Commission wants to attract more visitors to the forest.

Nick Hazlitt from the Forestry Commission said it signalled the beginning of a phase of recovery.

He added: "There will always be some permanent reminders of the fire but this will be a very positive move forwards."

The public meeting will start at 18:00 BST at the Morgan Centre in Wellington Road.