STUNNING views of Durham Cathedral could be revealed, as part of a treefelling project.

More than 100 trees on Durham’s riverbanks could be felled, in a cathedral scheme aimed at securing the woodland’s future.

Cathedral officials say the felling would allow new, healthier trees to grow and more native species to be planted.

Obstructions to picturesque views could be cleared and walkers protected from naturally falling branches.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham, said: “I think the woodland is a real gift to Durham – one of its most special assets. This is a world-famous environment of incomparable beauty and we want to do all we can to keep it that way.”

It is hoped that most of the money needed will come from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A grant of £50,000 has been made, allowing the project to be planned and 38 trees felled, over the next two months.

Phase two would see a further 66 trees axed during the autumn. An application for £300,000 will be submitted in the summer.

Jon Williams, land agent for Durham Cathedral, said: “Balancing the varied interests of access, safety, conservation and landscape is always a challenge.

“Although no one likes to see majestic trees cut down, the work is an essential requirement to allow future generations to continue to enjoy the superb woodland setting of the cathedral and castle.”

The city centre riverbanks, two-thirds of which are owned by Durham Cathedral, are home to nearly 1,000 trees of more than 2ft in diameter.

Most of those to be felled are beech, sycamore, oak or lime.

They will be replaced with species such as oak, ash and cherry. All necessary permissions for the felling have been granted.