An ancient wood loved for its wildlife and peacefulness could become an activity centre not just for schools but businesses looking for a corporate day out.

As the Oxford Mail discovered this week the firm behind the scheme for using part of the Blenheim Estate in west Oxfordshire is already taking bookings starting May 1 next year.

But Treejumpers, based at Brands Hatch in Kent, does not yet have planning permission to set up its adventure centre in the middle of Pinsley Wood, near Long Hanborough - and could be facing a determined campaign to stop it.

The 46-hectare wood is registered as a county wildlife site and its long history dates back to a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is well-known for its array of bluebells in the Spring.

Penny Franklin, of Main Road, Long Hanborough, has been walking in the wood for the past 50 years. She said yesterday she is "horrified" by the proposals.

"It is awful they can do this, already even taking bookings. It's obvious they are only in it for the money," she said.

"Everybody I've spoken to in the village is against it. It is so peaceful, everyone loves it. It is so tragic we might lose this haven on our doorstep.

"I was out there this morning walking my dog and I saw deer, badger and buzzards. It is a wonderful place and I can just imagine how this could all be lost.

"There are 44 trees they will be using that are already marked up for their aerial runway. The public needs to get together and fight it."

Treejumpers says it has worked up the proposals with Blenheim Estates and talked to planning officers at West Oxfordshire District Council as far back as a year ago. It has employed consultants to draw up outline plans and will be setting them out to Hanborough Parish Council on November 13. They will further consult with local schools and environmental consultants.

It adds there will only be "low impact activities", including a canopy walkway in the centre of the wood, orienteering, archery and nature lessons. Graham Hayes, the council's finance officer, said: "Pinsley Wood is part of the remnants of the old Wychwood Forest.

"It has such a rich wildlife. There are bluebells, rare flowers and butterflies, as well as roe deer, buzzards and bats. There is a public footpath round the edge and permissive rights to roam through the wood."

According to Steve Etherton, Treejumpers director, they hope their main business at Pinsley Wood will be for school parties - but it will be open to businesses and the public.

There would be a cabin reception area in an adjoining field and the high ropes activities would be limited to a conifer plantation in the centre.

Mr Etherton said: "It is quite a low key scheme, with no quad bikes or paintballing, and people will still be able to walk their dogs there. All plans take into account the natural flora and fauna.

"We would create a natural sculpture trail and improve some of the paths. It is critical it is done in the right way for the local population. For local schoolchildren this would be great for healthy outdoor activities."

Mr Etherton added the canopy walk "will be uniquely suited to the British woodland and will be a first for Britain."

The informal public access arrangement would still continue.