Brighton
& Hove City Council has written to local residents:
Dear
Resident,
Ash
tree removal due to Ash dieback disease
— 3 Corner Copse
Forestry
Commission Licence Number.
19/4092/2021
We're writing to let
you know we'll soon be removing Ash trees in 3 Corner Copse
that are
infected with Ash dieback disease.
The
work is due to start on Monday 14
February and last two weeks. We will also be erecting signage in the
next few
weeks at the site.
Unfortunately, the
infected trees must be removed as they pose an ever-increasing risk to
both the
public and property.
The Forestry
Commission is aware of the work and has granted the felling licence.
What
we can tell you
•
An
estimated 100 — 200 trees must be removed
•
Work
will start around 8am and finish around 3pm Monday — Friday, and
possible some
Saturdays if needed
•
No
road closures are planned, but traffic management (two or three parking
spaces)
will be needed for loading and unloading equipment and materials.
What
happens during and after the work
•
Tree
tops will be left on-site, mostly to feed (habitat) nutrients back into
the
area. This may look untidy but there are benefits in the longer term
•
Some
timber and trunk wood maybe removed from the site
•
We
may have to remove some non-Ash trees for three reasons: to gain
access; if we
see they're in poor condition; if they're Elm trees and diseased
•
Young
ash trees between the ages of 1-10 years and not showing signs of Ash
dieback
will be left and observed for resistance, and Mature Ash stems will be
left at
height for wildlife Habitat.
•
A
regeneration plan is being comprised and residents will be contacted
with dates
of Public Planting meetings.
•
Wildlife
surveys, best practices guidance and regulations are all being observed
and the
protection of all wildlife within our woodlands is at the forefront of
the Ash
dieback clearance work.
90% of our Ash trees could be lost
Ash dieback is a tree
fungal
infection that's spreading throughout the UK and Europe. The National
Trust,
the Woodland Trust and other environmental organisations predict the
disease
will kill between 80 - 90% of Ash trees across the UK.
Like the rest of the
country, and especially in the South East, high numbers of our Ash
trees are
infected by the disease, which is impossible to contain.
Our
work so far
We've
already removed Ash trees at Coney
Hill Woods, next to Mill Road, near Waterhall
and Coldean Lane woods and are seeing
positive natural
regeneration.
3 Corner Copse is now one of six more areas we're
having to clear as the infection spreads.
You can find more
information about our Ash trees and Ash dieback by visiting www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/trees.
You can also email
arboriculture@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Best
regards,
City
Parks.
