How we manage ash dieback

About Ash dieback

We have ash trees throughout the city’s 504 hectares of woodlands. They make up about 20 percent (1 in every 5) of our trees.

Like the rest of the country, and especially in the south east, high numbers of our ash trees are infected by Ash dieback.

Ash dieback is impossible to contain. We need to continue to take action as it spreads throughout the city.

Our plan to remove ash trees

We have to remove the diseased trees to ensure people are safe to use our woodlands. This includes ash trees near roads or housing to prevent potential damage to property and traffic.

The Forestry Commission knows about this work and has granted a felling licence.

A city-wide ash dieback regeneration plan has been agreed to enhance and improve the city’s woodlands for the future. This plan includes details for the restocking, regeneration or improvements to each site before the commission will agree.

What happens during and after the work

Tree tops will be left on-site, mostly to feed (habitat stacks and dead hedging) nutrients back into the area.

We'll remove all tree stems from the site where possible. There may be areas where this is not possible and large pieces of timber will remain (such as steep banks and limited areas of access for machinery). This can look untidy, but it has ecological benefits.

We may have to remove some non-ash trees for the following reasons:

• to gain access
• if we see they’re in poor condition
• if they’re Elm trees and diseased

The ash in some locations is difficult to remove without using machinery. This means we may need to remove other tree species to gain access to these areas.

Some young ash trees not showing signs of ash dieback will be left and observed for resistance. A selection of mature ash stems will be left at height as stumps for wildlife habitat.  

We're conducting wildlife surveys.

Best practices guidance and wildlife regulations are being observed.

The ecological impact of these works is being carefully considered and minimised as much as possible.  

We might contact you

We might contact you if we're working in your area.

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process has taken place. All personal details will be dealt with in line with current GDPR regulations. A Brighton & Hove City Council Tree officer will contact you if necessary.

If you'd like more information, send an email to ashdieback@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

What we've done so far

Last year, we removed ash trees from 6 sites.

In the summer months, using a drone allows us to assess the extent of Ash dieback in woodlands accurately and plan works accordingly. View the footage taken over Wild Park in summer 2024.

Public meeting notes – Tree Disease Management, Brighton & Hove, 17th March 2025.

Ash dieback is a fungal disease (Chalara fraxinea) that affects ash trees. The symptoms are early leaf loss and crown dieback which can lead to the death of the tree.

The Woodland Trust and other environmental organisations predict the disease will kill around 90% of ash trees across the UK in the next five to 10 years.

The organisations also say the loss of the trees will change the landscape forever and threaten many animal species that rely on ash.

Symptoms of ash dieback

The symptoms first show in early June when the leaves were emerging. The symptoms are wilting and dark discoloration on the leaves with elongated lesions, or cuts, developing on the smaller branches.

Ash dieback also weakens the trees, making them more susceptible to other pests and pathogens.

Eventually the whole crown will become infected with a characteristic ‘crown die-back’ developing over the next few years resulting in death.

What ash dieback looks like

The first signs of the infection are usually dark brown/orange lesions on the leaves and patches of brown, dying leaves. As the disease progresses, trees will lose more and more leaves from their canopy and may also develop lesions on the bark.

The dieback fungus develops in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the surrounding atmosphere.

These spores can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems, causing it to die.

Ash dieback can affect ash trees of all ages, but younger trees succumb to the disease quicker.

We can not guarantee that no other trees will be removed in this process. Other tree species can be accidentally damaged by falling trees or the heavy machinery needed to take down the ash trees. We may also find infected elm trees that need to be removed. A council tree officer will be inspecting these areas. Elm trees which are dead or diseased will be identified and removed if they are a risk to the wider elm disease control program.

It's our priority to limit the amount of non-ash trees that are removed.

The map shows the area where the work is taking place.

The Stanmer village access road will be closed for one day. We'll put signs in place beforehand to tell residents.

The footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods throughout the work. We'll put diversions in place.

You can click on the map to zoom in.

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 200 to 300 trees at Stanmer Park.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work.

When we'll do the work

On 4, 5 and 6 January, we will be working on the trees along the highway in Stanmer Park, behind the houses in Stanmer village and in the Lower Car Park.

In the weeks beginning 9 and 16 January, we’ll be working in the Upper Car Park and along the footway and bridleway to the Coldean Lane car park.

In the weeks beginning 23 and 30 January, we’ll be working around the footway and bridleway in the north of Stanmer Park and the highway to North Farm and yard area.

It will last for 4 to 5 weeks.

Work will take place:

• at about 8am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

The map shows the area where the work is taking place.

Some roads will close during the work. We'll put up signage and put diversions in place.

The Footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods though out the works. A diversion will be put in place.

You can click on the map to zoom in.

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 200 to 300 trees at Coldean Woods.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted a felling licence.

When we'll do the work

Work starts on 16 January 2023. We'll be removing ash trees along the A27. This work is being planned and talks are continuing with Highways England

It will last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Work will take place:

• at about 8am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

The map shows the area where the work is taking place.

Work will start on clearing infected ash tree behind Uplands Road and Lynchet Close. We’ll then start work along boundaries and footways in the central woodland.

>You can click on the map to zoom in.

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 200 to 300 trees at Stanmer Park.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work.

We’re not planning to close any roads. We will need to close the footways in the woods for short periods throughout the work and will put diversions in place.

When we'll do the work

Work starts on 16 January 2023.

Work will take place:

• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

The map shows the area where the work is taking place. This area is woodland and footpaths so there are no roads that will be affected. 

You can click on the map to zoom in. 

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 100 to 200 trees at Woodingdean Lawn Memorial Park.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted a felling licence.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management will be needed to gain access.

The Footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods though out the works. A diversion will be put in place.

When we'll do the work

Work starts at Woodingdean Lawn Memorial Park on 19 December 2022. It will last for 2 to 3 weeks.

• at about 9am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

Map of Woodvale – Extra Mural Cemetery and the surrounding area

The map shows the area of Woodvale where the work is taking place - Extra Mural Cemetery. There are no roads or properties that will be affected by this work.

You can click on the map to zoom in. 

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 100 to 200 trees at Woodvale Extra Mural Cemetery.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work. A felling licence is not necessary to carry out this work.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management will be needed to gain access.

The Footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods though out the works. A diversion will be put in place.

When we'll do the work

Work at Woodvale Extra Mural Cemetery starts at on 11 October 2022. It will last for 3 weeks.

Work will take place:

• at about 9am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

We're planning a regeneration plan for the cemetery. Surveying is ongoing and details of the re-planting and species selection will be decided in the near future.

Map of Jevington Drive and the surrounding area

The map shows the area where the work is taking place.

Roads close to the work are:

• Jevington Drive
• The avenue
• Manton Road

You can click on the map to zoom in. 

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 100 to 200 trees at Jevington Drive-Avenue Woods.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted a felling licence.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management will be needed to gain access.

The Footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods though out the works. A diversion will be put in place.

When we'll do the work

Work starts at Jevington Drive-Avenue Woods on 17 October 2022. It will last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Work will take place:

• at about 9am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

Map of Wild Bank Woods and the surrounding area

The map shows the area of the woods that will be affected by the work.

The work takes place at the back of the following roads:

• Norwich Drive
• Heath Hill Avenue
• Knepp Close

You can click on the map to zoom in. 

About the work we're doing

We must remove an estimated 100 to 200 trees at Wild Bank Woods.

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted a felling licence.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management will be needed to gain access.

The Footways travelling through the woods will be closed for small periods though out the works. A diversion will be put in place.

When we'll do the work

Work starts at Wild Bank Woods on 17 October 2022. It will last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Work will take place:

• at about 9am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

Map of Westdene Woods and the surrounding area

Ash dieback removal is now complete in the woodland. We're currently writing a regeneration plan. Thank you for your patience during this work.

Map of Moulsecoomb Way and the surrounding area

This is the first phase of Ash dieback work within Wild Park Woods. Moulescoomb has been completed and further notice will be given on start dates for the next phase. We're currently writing a regeneration plan for the area of ash which has been removed. More details will be available soon.

Map of Abinger Woods, Abinger Road and the surrounding area

Ash dieback removal is now complete in the woodland. We're currently writing a regeneration plan. Thank you for your patience during this work.

Map of Wild Park and the surrounding area

This is the first phase of Ash dieback work within Wild Park Woods. Moulescoomb has been completed and further notice will be given on start dates for the next phase. We're currently writing a regeneration plan for the area of ash which has been removed. More details will be available soon.

Map of 3 Corner Copse and the surrounding area

About the work we're doing

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted the felling licence.

An estimated 100 to 200 trees must be removed.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management (2 or 3 parking spaces) will be needed for loading and unloading equipment and materials.

When we'll do the work

Work starts at 3 Corner Copse on 14 February 2022.

Work will take place:

• at about 8am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

What happens during and after the work

Tree tops will be left on-site, mostly to feed nutrients back into the area. This may look untidy but there are benefits in the longer term.

Some timber and trunk wood maybe removed from the site.

We may have to remove some non-Ash trees for the following reasons:

• to gain access
• if we see they’re in poor condition
• if they’re Elm trees and diseased

Young ash trees between the ages of 1 to 10 years and not showing signs of Ash dieback will be left and observed for resistance.

Our tree experts are in the process of writing a regeneration plan and we're planning resident consultation.

We'll arrange a planting plan residents meeting.  

Withdean Park Map and the surrounding area

About the work we're doing

The Forestry Commission is aware of the work and has granted the felling licence,

An estimated 100 to 200 trees must be removed.

No road closures are planned, but traffic management (2 or 3 parking spaces) will be needed for loading and unloading equipment and materials.

When we'll do the work

Work starts at Withdean Park Woods on Monday 4 April 2022.

Work will take place:

• at about 8am and finish at about 3pm
• on Monday to Friday
• possibly some Saturdays if needed

Get more information about this work.

What happens during and after the work

Tree tops will be left on-site, mostly to feed nutrients back into the area. This may look untidy but there are benefits in the longer term.

Some timber and trunk wood maybe removed from the site.

We may have to remove some non-ash trees for the following reasons:

• to gain access
• if we see they’re in poor condition
• if they’re Elm trees and diseased

Young ash trees between the ages of one to 10 years and not showing signs of ash dieback will be left and observed for resistance and mature ash stems will be left at height for wildlife habitat

Our tree experts are in the process of writing a regeneration plan and we're planning resident consultation.

We'll arrange a planting plan residents meeting and activity days.

Wildlife surveys, best practices guidance and regulations are all being observed. The protection of all wildlife within these woodlands is at the forefront of the Ash Dieback clearance.

About the work we're doing

Ditchling Road work is due to start on the 19 April. It is expected to last 2 to 3 weeks with traffic management being used though out the day 

Stanmer Park Woods work is due to start week commencing 25 April. It is expected to last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Unfortunately, the infected trees must be removed as they pose an ever-increasing risk to both the public and property. This is due to the structural conditions becoming fragile which means the trees are likely to lose large branches or fall.

Carrying out Ash dieback works throughout bird nesting season

We have to remove diseased trees during the nesting season due to the risk they pose of falling on vehicles and people. We are only removing trees that are dead or dying and could fall. We try to avoid tree removals during the nesting season so that we do not disturb wildlife, but the risk posed to people outweighs the risk to wildlife.

Future works will need to be carried out at a later point as there are other diseased trees in Stanmer Park Woods which need to be left in situ due to it currently being nesting season. We will return at a later date to remove them.

Where we do carry out removals in the nesting season, we work closely with an ecologist and or trained teams to ensure that the risk to wildlife is minimised and if we do have to relocate any nests this is done as a last resort and with specialist advice.

Our work so far

Stanmer Park Woods is now one of 7 areas we’re clearing as the infection spreads.

How it spread to the UK

It’s thought the fungus found its way to Europe on commercially imported ash from East Asia. The first dying ash trees were reported in Poland in the 1990s and ash dieback has since spread across all of Europe.

The spores of this fungus can travel in the wind so it is possible that it arrived in the UK naturally, however it was also accidentally imported on ash saplings. The UK was unknowingly importing thousands of ash plants from infected parts of Europe until a ban came into place in 2012.

This undoubtedly sped up the spread of the disease within the UK because the disease was able to spread from areas of new planting via wind to mature trees.

The disease spreads via spores caught in the wind from tiny mushrooms born from the main leaf stalk. The spores have the ability to spread throughout a ten miles radius within one year.

The ash dieback fungus wasn’t formally described until 2006, but it has been known of in Europe for about 30 years.

In the UK, ash dieback has had the most impact in the south-east of England. This is where it was first recorded in the UK back in 2012. It is unknown how long the fungus was in the area before the symptoms became apparent, perhaps some years.

The impact of ash dieback

It’s thought that we're going to lose around 80% of our ash trees in the UK. This is going to have a devastating impact on the landscape and the biodiversity of our woodlands, as well as between habitats as we lose hedges and individual trees outside of woods.

The Woodland Trust predicts the cost of removing diseased ash will be £15 billion. This includes the practical expense of removing and clearing up dead and dying trees, to the loss of its environmental services such as air purification.

There is hope on the horizon. Initial findings suggest there might be some trees that are tolerant to ash dieback, meaning that the population could eventually recover over time (likely over 50 years).

However, tolerance to the disease is complicated because a number of factors play into it including genetic traits, the health of the tree and the number of ash dieback spores in the atmosphere.

Contact us

To get more information about the work we're doing, send an email to ashdieback@brighton-hove.gov.uk.