Brighton Park Fights Elm Disease Outbreak

Brighton & Hove City Council is undertaking a significant tree removal operation at Withdean Park, with approximately 200 elm trees scheduled for felling. This measure is a direct response to a significant outbreak of elm disease detected within the park. The work, commencing this week and anticipated to last about three weeks, is vital for halting the disease's progression.

The council's arboriculture team will remove infected and deteriorating trees, including some that may appear healthy but are at risk due to underground root connections with infected elms. A mature ash tree will also be removed. This proactive step is deemed essential to prevent the disease from spreading further through the park's interconnected root systems.

To minimize impact on wildlife, habitats, and park users, the felling will be conducted in a single phase. The council has assured that a large proportion of vegetation will remain and that the area will be monitored post-completion to prevent any resurgence of the disease. The Forestry Commission has been notified, and the removals are being carried out under a specific felling licence exemption for elm disease management.