Home / Environment / Brighton Woodland Faces Ash Dieback Crisis
Brighton Woodland Faces Ash Dieback Crisis
3 Feb
Summary
- Urgent work to remove dead ash trees is underway in Brighton woodland.
- Ash dieback fungus has made the woodland dangerous and threatens spread.
- Felled tree trunks will be left to create habitats for wildlife.
Urgent work to remove dead and diseased ash trees is currently underway in a Brighton woodland. Brighton & Hove City Council stated that while tree removal can be distressing, it is essential for managing the ash dieback fungus.
Before felling, ash trees were inspected for the fungus, with larger, more resilient trees being left untouched. Council officials noted the woodland had become dangerous due to the sheer number of dead trees.
Where feasible, tree trunks and stumps will be preserved to serve as habitats for local wildlife. This thinning is also intended to curb the spread of ash dieback.
The South East region of the UK has been significantly impacted by ash dieback, a disease originating in Asia. Scientists estimate that only a small percentage of ash trees develop a tolerance to the fungus.
Following the tree removal, improvements to the woodland's footpath are planned, funded by a grant from the South Downs National Park Authority.
