The last of the remaining wilding conifer trees at the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, near Alexandra, will be removed over the coming weeks.

Work at the site, which is on Central Otago District Council (CODC) land, will start on Wednesday, June 19, and continue for the next few weeks.

The trees, situated on the corner of Aronui and Schaumann roads, were not removed as part of the main Half Mile operation last year because of accessibility and timing constraints.

Since then, the CODC has heard from concerned neighbours that the remaining trees pose a risk to neighbouring property.

They will be removed for firewood purposes and the slash initially left on site to be chipped later in the winter when a suitable chipper is available.

A look at where trees were removed in the Half Mile Recreation Reserve last year and recent planting has started, in the areas marked in red. PHOTO: CODC

It is likely the area will be developed as car parking for the reserve to allow users safe access to the reserve.

It is anticipated the tree removal works will take three or four days.

For updates on the Half Mile restoration project go to Let’s Talk on the council's website.