Historic Estate Faces Tree Felling Due to ‘Notable Increase’ in Ash Dieback

A historic estate faces the potential felling of as many as one hundred trees due to a “notable increase” in ash dieback disease. The majority of these trees are situated in the woodland surrounding Ormesby Hall in Middlesbrough, a location frequently visited by walkers. The Nation Trust, responsible for the estate’s management, indicated that these trees could pose a hazard to the public if they weaken excessively and fall. This disease, caused by a fungus, infects ash trees by targeting their leaves and branches, resulting in lesions and ultimately their demise. Mark Bradley, countryside manager for the Nation Trust, informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that addressing ash dieback has become an “increasing focus.” He stated that ongoing surveys are being conducted to evaluate the disease’s spread and intensity across Nation Trust properties. He commented: “It is a serious disease that has been spreading across Europe and parts of North America including, unfortunately, in our local area.” The majority of the affected trees on the estate were planted in Pennyman’s Woods during the 1980s. Nevertheless, certain older trees lining the adjacent roadside, estimated to be over 200 years old, will also require removal. Mr Bradley explained: “For trees that are too damaged or too risky to keep since they may fall, it is important to remove them, and also to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other trees.” A planning application has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council, as the trees are located within a conservation area. Should approval be granted, operations are scheduled to commence in January. Subsequently, native broadleaf species will be planted in the cleared sections, which “will give an uneven age structure and include species which will grow to canopy and scrub layers,” Mr Bradley further stated. He concluded: “This will give a more diverse age and species rich woodland, with some open glades that allow for improved ground cover.”