Around 200 Trees To Be Removed From Brighton Park Due To Elm Disease
Around 200 trees are due to be removed from Withdean Park in Brighton after an outbreak of elm disease.
Brighton & Hove City Council says the work is needed to prevent the disease spreading to healthy trees through interconnected root systems.
Inspections identified a significant outbreak in a small area of the park, with the removal work expected to take around three weeks from Monday. A mature ash tree will also be felled.
The council’s arboriculture team will remove infected and deteriorating trees, as well as some which may still appear healthy but are considered at risk because of underground connections to infected elms.
Councillor Alan Robins said:
“It's always sad when trees have to be felled, but the work planned for Withdean Park is essential to manage the ongoing problem of elm disease and to protect other healthy trees.”
The work will be carried out in one phase to minimise disruption to wildlife, woodland habitats and people using the park.
Much of the existing vegetation will remain, and the area will continue to be monitored afterwards to prevent regrowth from infected root systems.
The council has notified the Forestry Commission, with the work being carried out under a felling licence exemption relating to elm disease management.
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