HUNDREDS of trees are being removed from a park after becoming plagued by disease.

Withdean Park, in Brighton, will see between 100 and 200 of its dead or diseased ash trees given the chop as a mass programme is underway to halt the spread of ash dieback, a fungal infection that can be deadly for trees.

The disease spreads via spores caught in the wind from tiny mushrooms in the main leaf stalk, and has the ability to spread over a ten miles radius within one year.

The Argus: Withdean Park in Brighton will see many of its ash trees removedWithdean Park in Brighton will see many of its ash trees removed

Brighton and Hove City Council began the project on Monday, April 4, with work expected to last for two weeks. It said that every care has been taken to ensure that the risk to wildlife and birds is minimised.

Councillor Amy Heley, co-chairwoman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “It’s very upsetting for everyone, but our tree experts are working alongside other specialists to inspect our ash trees and look out for the signs of ash dieback and any other diseases too.

“Sadly, when ash trees have been infected with ash dieback, we have no alternative but to remove them.

“When removing trees, we always ensure the effects are kept to an absolute minimum, especially when it comes to the natural habitats of our wildlife.

“Although the disease is having a devastating impact within the city and throughout the country, we are positively regenerating areas through careful planning.”

The Argus: The dark brown area of the branch is infected with ash dieback. Image: Courtesy The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown CopyrightThe dark brown area of the branch is infected with ash dieback. Image: Courtesy The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown Copyright

Approximately 70 to 80 per cent of ash trees in Brighton and Hove are expected to die within the next decade.

Despite the staggering estimated loss of ash trees, volunteers have been working hard to replace them.

“Volunteers and community groups have been working hard planting trees in a wide variety of areas to replace those we have lost and increase the species of trees within the city,” said Cllr Heley.

It comes amid national concern for the future of the species. The Woodland Trust said: “It’s thought that we are going to lose around 80 per cent of our ash trees in the UK. This is going to have a devastating impact on the landscape and the biodiversity of our woodlands.”