Diseased Ash trees in Redditch to be felled in bid to beat Dieback - The Redditch Standard

Diseased Ash trees in Redditch to be felled in bid to beat Dieback

Redditch Editorial 17th Feb, 2021   0

EFFORTS to remove trees affected by Ash Dieback are being stepped up in Redditch.

Council contractors will be at work off Ipsley Church Lane in the Arrow Valley Park and in Oakenshaw Woods to the rear of Tesco later this month.

The work will also include felling weak and overcrowded trees to allow more space, light, and water for those remaining, helping them to develop and mature.

The work is also aimed at encouraging the natural regeneration of ground flora which provides habitat that is vital for biodiversity of the woodland.




The Ash Dieback pathogen is highly transmissible between trees and the Woodland Trust estimates it will kill around 80 per cent of Ash trees in the UK.

Portfolio holder for environmental services, Councillor Brandon Clayton, said: “Redditch boasts some beautiful woodlands – and we want to keep them that way for residents to enjoy for years to come.


“Woodlands have been managed in this way for centuries and without ongoing proactive management, the biodiversity value and structure of woodland soon diminishes.

“It is unfortunate that we have to cut the trees down, but it is important that we do so because of this disease.

“It may look drastic at first, but it is vital for the health of our woodlands.”

The longer-term intention for the programme is to carry out a replanting of alternative native tree species, during the next autumn/winter planting season to replace the Ash trees.

The council’s senior arboricultural officer, Gavin Boyes, said: “Whilst we understand that residents have concerns when they see trees being felled, any initial impact is greatly outweighed by the benefits gained.

“Due to the nature of the work, it is inevitable that there will be some disruption to users of the sites and local to the areas of work, however every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.”

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