Two Sussex forests are to be given a medieval makeover.

Under a new project, the Forestry Commission hopes to restore forests to how they would have been hundreds of years ago.

The Woodscape project will be carried out at Abbot's Wood, Eastbourne, and Beckley Wood, near Hastings, and at forests in eight other English counties.

District forester Stan Abbott said: "Woodscape is the most exciting project of its kind in England. We are aiming to enrich the countryside for future generations.

"People will see changes occur as soon as work gets under way. The full effect of Woodscape will take up to 100 years to develop."

Changes to the forest will involve the replanting of native trees, replacing conifers and trees planted at different ages to give more variety.