TRIBUTES have been paid to a Petersfield forester and conservationist following his death after an accident in the woods he loved.

Jonathan West (60), of Reservoir Lane, died soon after the accident on April 13, in his woods called Whitelands.

The father of two, who was married to Alice and had a son, Bede, and daughter, Fritha, was a familiar figure in Petersfield, invariably followed by his lurcher dog Beaumont.

He ran the Whitelands Project below Butser Hill as a sustainable forestry and conservation project, working with organisations as diverse as Butterfly Conservation, Portsmouth University and Langrish Primary School.

A family friend, who did not want to be named, said: “Whitelands was often filled with children, students and his friends. They went there to experience the unique environment, combining education, ecology and industry, he had created. Many people spent many happy hours there doing anything from feasting and fire-lighting to den building.”

Whitelands was the latest project in a long and distinguished contribution Jonathan made to conservation, including habitat restoration, ecological surveying and an extensive contribution to education.

His work included establishing the educational element of Butser Ancient Farm and providing timber and expertise for the Saxon house at the Weald and Downland Living Museum near Singleton.

He also made benches and a bandstand for The Petersfield School, and helped kit out productions by Petersfield theatre group the Lion and Unicorn.

The friend added: “He was a remarkable, almost magical person, a totally lovely bloke, and a trailblazing conservationist.

“But he was also the very best of friends, possessing a unique joy, generosity and empathy. It was an absolute privilege to have known him, and he leaves a host of friends, who will continue to be inspired by him.”