Park trees to be felled after elm disease outbreak

About 200 trees are to be removed from a park in Brighton after an outbreak of elm disease.

Brighton & Hove City Council said that the work at Withdean Park was needed to help stop the disease spreading and prevent it recurring through interconnected root systems.

The affected elms were identified during inspections which found a significant outbreak in a small area of the park, and the work is expected to take about three weeks from Monday. A mature ash tree is also being removed.

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 by the council's arboriculture team will include removing both infected and deteriorating trees.

Some trees being removed might still appear healthy but were considered at risk because of underground root connections with infected elms, the council said.

The work will be carried out in a single phase to reduce disruption to wildlife, woodland habitats and park users.

A large proportion of vegetation will remain in place and the council said the area would continue to be monitored after the work is completed, to prevent regrowth from any infected root systems.

The council has notified the Forestry Commission about the planned work and the trees are being removed under a felling licence exemption in the Forestry Act in relation to elm disease management.

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