Work is currently underway to protect the future of our city’s trees from disease.
Unfortunately, a combination of ash dieback and elm disease means we’re having to fell trees in Hollingbury Woods, Wild Park and Stanmer Park.
The sad reality is that disease is accelerating in our parks and it’s vital we act swiftly to contain the spread.
We’re working closely with our contractors and monitor the work being done and will only fell trees where it is absolutely necessary.
We do sometimes need to remove healthy trees to access those that are infected, but this is always kept to a minimum and care is taken to avoid more mature trees.
Sadly, it means we’ll be felling several hundred trees.
Once the felling is complete, we will assess the best approach for regeneration, carefully considering the balance between diversity, natural regrowth and replanting whips.
Over the last year, the trees along Coldean Lane have also become heavily infected with elm disease and ash dieback.
Many of these trees have died and are in a state of serious decay; their proximity to the road and the path through the woodlands means they now present a significant danger to members of the public.
As there is a road closure already planned between 24 and 28 February, it makes sense to remove trees during this period to minimise disruption.
There are around 150 trees to be removed from the bluebell flats and Varley Hall.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports and Recreation, said: “We fully understand the concern and distress the felling work is causing, not least because in areas like Hollingbury Woods, the result can be a dramatic change in how parts of the woods look.
“The sad reality is that we must do this work to prevent the spread of disease to hundreds more trees.
“Our teams are working hard to ensure trees are only removed when we have no other option and we’ll be looking at all available options for replanting in the future.”
