A MYSTERY tree feller chopped down around 200 ancient beeches - leaving horrified environment bosses stumped.

The hedgerow beeches are thought to be around 150-200 years old and their felling has been called "devastating".

Inspectors were visiting countryside in Blackwood, near Caerphilly, South Wales, when they came across a field of the stumps.

2 Mystery surrounds the fate of the 200 ancient trees Credit: Wales News Service

Natural Resources Wales have launched an investigation into the felling, and have said anyone wanting to chop down so many veteran trees would need a licence.

Jim Hepburn, Regulatory Woodland Officer at Natural Resources Wales, said: "This is a devastating case which will have a terrible impact on the local environment and no doubt be very upsetting for local people.

2 Environment bosses have launched an investigation into the felling Credit: Wales News Service

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"These trees would have been around 150 – 200 years old and would have provided valuable habitat for wildlife.

"We continue to investigate how this felling has happening, and will take the necessary action against those responsible."