WOODLAND restoration at Trentham Gardens will see 45 acres of land cleared to make way for new native trees.

The first phase of a five-year scheme at the north park starts on Monday.

It will remove two plantations of a 50-year-old commercial pine tree forest near the M6.

This will allow the 18th century parkland, designed by one of England's greatest gardening architects, Capability Brown, to return to its former glory.

The work will create three lime tree avenues, called a patte d'oie or 'goose's foot', which have become hidden over the years.

They lead out from Trentham Hall in different directions.

Older trees will be retained and 10,000 new sessile oak trees planted.

Residents living near the estate have received leaflets about the changes and are invited to an information cabin in the north park to share their opinions.

Mike Herbert, regional director for St Modwen, said: "The north park deteriorated significantly between the Sutherland family's demolition of Trentham Hall in 1911 and St Modwen taking over the estate in 1996.

"Inappropriate coniferous plantations, abuse of the landscape by four-wheel-drive pursuits and gravel quarrying for the construction of the M6 have all contributed to an area much in need of restoration.

"This project will restore north park back to its 18th century glory, revealing a beautiful landscape.

"The current pine and larch trees will be replaced by native trees, supporting a much wider ecology and creating a more suitable landscape for the historic estate.

"The new wood will enhance the adjacent ancient King's Wood, which is a site of special scientific interest."

Phase one will last six weeks, with paths remaining open throughout, but walkers are asked to look out for safety notices.

The trees will be felled by Rugeley firm HRJ Gould, using hand-held chainsaws.

To limit the noise, that work will take place between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and timber will be taken off site via the bridge over the M6.

Once the land is cleared, pupils from schools and colleges will help to plant the new oaks.

Natural England, English Heritage and Stafford Borough Council were consulted and backed the plans.

Michael Walker, garden and estate manager, said: "The key element is removing the pine trees as quickly as possible. They were a commercial crop which has nearly reached its harvest time.

"Decisions are still being made about whether we restore or simply reveal the lime avenues of the patte d'oie.

"This has been an evolving landscape and many of the layers of history are still there to see."

St Modwen started restoring the 725-acre gardens and estate in 2004 and it is now one of the country's most popular garden attractions with 400,000 visitors in 2011.

Residents can visit the information cabin in the north park from 10am to noon, Monday to Friday next week.