A WATER company has turned to horsepower in a bid to bring an ancient woodland near Liss back to its former beauty.

South East Water has demonstrated its pulling power by using heavy horses at a biodiversity project in Hawkley.

The firm wants to give native species and ancient woodland a boost on a Site of Special Scientific Interest next to a water treatment works.

Large mature conifer trees have been cleared to allow more light to the forest floor and 300 native saplings have been planted to capture carbon from the immediate area.

The team of horse-loggers have removed 30 large Douglas fir and Scots pine trees with bosses hopeful the work will encourage the return of bluebells, dog’s mercury and yellow archangel to the rural site.

“There are a number of major benefits in using heavy horses to carry out this work instead of large machinery,” said Alex Stephens, environmental performance officer at South East Water.

“The horses have less impact on the ground and don’t leave large ruts and damage to plants. They also help with soil carbon retention, leaving a healthier soil.

“As a water company protecting and conserving our natural environment, particularly around our water treatment works, is really important to us and a high priority in our day-to-day operations.”

The biodiversity pilot project at Hawkley is one of ten being carried out by the water firm while horse owner Daniel Brown is happy to be part of the scheme.

He said: “It is recognised that by using horses to pull cut timber out of our ancient forests and woodlands in this way plays a vital role in maintaining and managing their long-term health.”