Marlhill is at risk of being cut down, because there are claims that it is impacting on aircraft safety for Southampton Airport. This is being contested, as evidence has been found that the real motivation is for the future expansion of the airport.
There is a petition to try and stop the destruction, so please do take the time to sign if you can. The Friends of the Copse are also very active in its tending, having weekly litter collections and the like. Their Facebook page has a lot more information, so if you'd like to get involved please have a look.
Photo from their Facebook page and includes one of the ancient trees that is at risk.