Ash dieback, caused by the non-native fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (formerly known as Chalara fraxinea), presents a significant threat to the UK's treescape on a scale not seen since Dutch Elm disease in the 1970s.
Ash is the third most common native tree in the UK, occurring in woodlands and other landscape settings, it has a high ecological value, cultural and historical significance within the county. Ash dieback is now found throughout the UK, eradication of the disease is not possible as this pathogen is an airborne fungus and is now considered endemic within the UK.
The council will be clear in its communications to members of the public, elected councillors and partnership organisations as to why it's carrying out Ash dieback related work on its managed land. We will constantly review the guidance around this disease to ensure work is in accordance with best practice guidance and up to date, based on information from a variety of sources.
Tree owners have a legal duty of care and must maintain their trees in a reasonably safe condition. We are only responsible for trees growing on council property.
In almost all cases, trees that are next to roads and public rights of way are the responsibility of the neighbouring landowner. The tree owner is responsible for the cost of this work.
For most landowners, the first step will be to contact a tree surgeon. They will be able to provide quotes for the work required and advice on what traffic management will be needed while the work is carried out.
Specific guidance on managing woodland containing ash is available in Forestry Commission Operations Note 46.
The woodland has been closed because ash dieback has been identified on site. This disease can weaken ash trees and cause branches and trees to fail, so access has been restricted while the area is assessed and any necessary safety work is carried out.
Work has already started; full tree surveys are needed. Ecology surveys are required to protect the wildlife on site including bats, Hazel Dormice and bird life. All of this has to happen before any tree work can start.
At present this is being assessed and is dependent on what the surveys identify.
The woodland will be open as soon as is safe for members of the public to use. Professional H&S, arboriculturist and ecologist officers are working on a plan of how this can happen.
The woodland supports various protected and notable species and is also a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Before carrying out any safety-related tree works we will need to assess the presence of legally protected species including bats and Hazel Dormice. Surveys for these species take time, and if they are present, works will require a licence from Natural England, the national body for nature conservation. Impacts to these species and their habitat will need to be mitigated and will require careful timing of works. The future management of the woodland will need to ensure that habitat is suitable for these and other species.