While Woodvale Crematorium is closed for refurbishment work, our Arboriculture Team will be felling around 180 Ash trees in and around the extra mural cemetery that have been found to be infected by Ash Dieback.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports and Recreation, said: “This is a fortunate opportunity to carry out this vital tree felling while the crematorium is closed so it won’t disturb the peace during services.
“While it’s sad to see the loss of Ash trees, once infected there’s nothing we can do, so we need to remove them to ensure they don’t become a danger to people.”
While felling is underway we are asking anyone visiting the crematorium and cemetery to look out for signs and avoid the area where work is taking place.
Ash Dieback is a fungal disease that affects ash trees and is impossible to contain. The symptoms are early leaf loss and crown dieback which can lead to the death of the tree. It also weakens the trees, making them more susceptible to pests and pathogens, as well as at higher risk of falling down and putting people in danger.
We have a city-wide ash dieback regeneration plan to enhance and improve the city’s woodlands for the future. This plan includes details for the restocking, regeneration of trees.
You can read more about how we manage ash dieback.
Woodvale Crematorium will be closed for all services and cremations from 15 August until 11 September while work takes place to repair the north vestry roof as well as maintenance work in the two chapels. During this time, an upgraded sound system and TV screens will also be installed and there will be some road repairs and additional work around the grounds.
Plans are being made for an open day to give residents the opportunity to see the refurbishment work once it’s complete.
