Dead or dying ash trees infected with ash dieback are soon to be removed from a woodland near Waterlooville, as they pose a risk to the safety of people visiting the area.
Havant Borough Council is taking action to combat ash dieback, in the area of Hurstwood by undertaking an urgent woodland management programme. The affected area will be fenced off during this time to ensure visitors cannot enter until the work is completed.
Matt Goodwin, Chief Executive of Havant Borough Council said: "It's devastating to see local woodlands, like trees in so many parts of the UK, being decimated by ash dieback.
"This fungus significantly weakens ash trees and kills them. The branches of affected trees quickly become brittle, and the branches – and in some cases the entire tree – can fall with very little warning.
“With no treatments to help save affected trees, once a tree has ash dieback it will stop growing any new branches and what remains will die off and become unsafe.
"We have been monitoring the spread of ash dieback in the borough, through routine inspections and have identified the need to remove diseased trees at Hurstwood to keep people safe.
"Throughout the work being carried out a qualified ecologist will be on site to advise during tree felling and pruning works to help reduce the likelihood of harming wildlife. A watching brief is provided where birds could be nesting for example, to help avoid disturbing any, or where mammals or amphibians could be foraging or commuting to help avoid harming them.
"We are absolutely committed to only removing trees when necessary and making sure that we do this in the most ecologically friendly way possible and by managing these trees in this responsible way, we will be creating new opportunities for plant and wildlife regeneration."
Havant Borough Council has fenced off the entrances to the woodland and has put up signs in the area and has been communicating with local stakeholders to make them aware. No access will be permitted to members of the public until the works are completed.
While ash dieback is a deadly disease, which is forecast to kill 80% of the UK's ash trees, removing infected trees is set to bring improvements in biodiversity.
The removal of the affected trees will increase light levels capable of reaching the woodland floor, allowing for a wider variety of plant and tree species to become established. Retaining some dead wood will also boost biodiversity by creating vital habitats for a great many species, alongside providing soil nutrients.