Poland starts logging primeval Bialowieza forest despite protests

More than 180,000 cubic metres of forest to be cut down in area that is home to Europe's largest mammal and tallest trees

Poland has started logging in the ancient Bialowieza forest, which includes some of Europe's last primeval woodland, despite fierce protests from environmental groups battling to save the World Heritage site.

"The operation began today," national forest director Konrad Tomaszewski said of the plan to harvest wood from non-protected areas of one of the last vestiges of the immense forest that once stretched across Europe.