Over 200 Trees to Be Removed Due to Fungal Disease

A local council has announced that over 200 trees are slated for removal following an outbreak of a fatal fungal disease. Ribble Valley Borough Council reported that a “significant number” of ash trees in three designated “priority areas” are either dead, dying, or in a hazardous state due to ash dieback. The council specified that the affected trees are being cleared from Crosshill and Salthill Quarry nature reserves in Clitheroe, Lancashire, as well as from woodland areas in Whalley. The Woodland Trust has projected that ash dieback could eliminate as much as 80% of ash trees throughout the UK. The conservation charity further stated that ash dieback originated in eastern Asia and was brought to Europe approximately three decades ago. It has “devastated” the European ash variety, according to their statement. The council detailed that approximately 165 dead or dangerous trees are scheduled for removal at Crosshill, 35 at Whalley Moor Community Woodland, and one at Salthill. The estimated cost for this work is about £35,000. Stuart Hirst, who chairs Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community services committee, commented: “We have been managing the impact of ash dieback for a few years on numerous sites across the borough and removing dangerous and dying trees where needed.” He continued: “But we have identified three priority areas in Clitheroe and Whalley, where a significant number of ash trees are dead, dying or in a dangerous condition, and urgent action is necessary in order to protect the public and property.” Hirst added: “Works at Salthill are largely complete, with only one tree left to be removed, which will require specialist equipment and sensitive handling of a power cable.” He further stated: “Works at Crosshill and Whalley Moor will start this week by specialist tree contractors to minimise the impact on footpaths, biodiversity and infrastructure.” Mr. Hirst mentioned that the authority had been in communication with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, which oversees Crosshill and Salthill, and the Friends of Whalley Moor Woodland, both of whom were informed about the necessity of these operations. Mr. Hirst appealed: “We are asking members of the public to bear with us during this difficult and sensitive work, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible.” He also advised that individuals with concerns regarding ash dieback within the Ribble Valley should reach out to the council’s countryside service. Previously this year, officials from Blackburn with Darwen Council disclosed intentions to plant 30,000 new trees, primarily native species, to aid in replacing those destroyed by the disease. The Woodland Trust describes ash dieback as a fungal disease originating in Asia, capable of impacting ash trees across all age groups. During winter, the fungus resides in leaf litter on the ground, specifically on ash leaf stalks. From July to October, it generates small white fruiting bodies that release spores, which can be carried tens of miles by the wind before settling on leaves. The fungus then penetrates the leaf and grows internally within the tree, ultimately obstructing its water supply and leading to its demise. Over time, recurring fungal infections will result in the tree’s death. Although it causes minimal harm to its native hosts, the Manchurian ash and Chinese ash, its arrival in Europe approximately 30 years ago has led to severe repercussions, as European ash species did not co-evolve with the fungus and consequently lack natural defenses against it. Audiences can tune into BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and connect with BBC Lancashire across Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submissions for story ideas are also accepted via email at northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. This material is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites and details its policy regarding external links.