WORK is underway on behalf of Malvern Hills Trust to remove ash trees infected with a ‘tree killing’ disease among the Hills.
A lot of the trees affected by the disease are on steep slopes and roadsides near British Camp, Hollywell Road and Wyche Road, requiring specialist and experienced contractors to safely remove them.
Ash dieback, which was first identified in the UK in 2012, has spread across the country and causes the wilting of leaves, shoots to die back and often the death of the tree. It is estimated that up to 80% of ash trees will be lost in the UK.
The tree works may also include pollarding and removal of dead wood where they pose a significant risk to highways and properties.
Each year a third of the trees near to highways, properties, car parks and busy visitor areas managed by Malvern Hills Trust are inspected by a professional, independent tree inspector.
A report is submitted to the Trust by the inspector with recommendations for tree safety works.
It is believed that a small percentage of ash trees may be tolerant to the disease and ash trees on the Trust’s estate showing little or no signs of disease will be left and monitored.
Beck Baker, community and conservation officer said “Over the coming weeks and months there will be a lot of activity around the Hills and Commons as we undertake this essential tree safety work.
“Sadly we are having to respond to an increasing number of ash trees that are infected with ash dieback disease. This has had a huge impact on the amount of resources that we need to put towards this safety work.”
As a charity with 1,200 hectares of land under our care, the trust are facing huge financial pressures as the disease takes hold and more practical management is needed in response.
Malvern Hills Trust are asking for donation to help support the response to this devastating tree disease.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MalvernHillsAshDieback to donate.
