Urgent tree work scheduled for Coldean Woods

Urgent work to remove dead and diseased ash trees in Coldean Woods is due to begin on 19 January.

The work, to manage ash dieback in the woods, will also coincide with preparations for a footpath improvement project which will improve the right of way from Coldean into Stanmer Park.

The footpath project is being funded with a grant from the South Downs National Park Authority.

Ash dieback

Many of the trees bordering the footpath, which runs from opposite the Ruby pub up the hill to the A27 bypass lower bridge, are suffering with ash dieback disease and must be removed before the improvement work can begin.

Felling will be carried out by experienced forestry contractors using specialist heavy machinery.

Some non-ash native species may be removed as part of the work, but this will only be done for infection control or safety reasons.

The tree felling, along with the footpath improvement work, means two sections of footpath will close for around 7-8 weeks, starting from 19 January and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Signs will be put up and, while work is carried out, walkers can use the alternative footpath beside Denman Close over the upper A27 footbridge, or walk along the park frontage beside A270, Lewes Road and Stoneymere Way.

Working with experts

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member responsible for parks, said: “We understand that any tree removal can be upsetting for residents, but these dead and infected trees need to be removed.

“The good news is that once the tree felling has been completed, we can move forward with work to improve this well-used footpath which will benefit local people and park users.

“We will be working closely on-site with expert ecologists to minimise any potential disturbance to protected species like badgers, nesting birds or roosting bats and will use this opportunity to develop the wood over time with a wider range of species, creating a more diverse habitat.”

He added that, where possible, tree trunks and stumps will be left on site to create valuable habitats for wildlife.

Footpath improvements

Once the tree work has been completed, footpath improvement work will begin. This will include installing a grid system with an overlay of stone and grit to improve access and create a safer and less slippery surface, particularly during wet weather.

If you need more information, have any concerns or need any extra support during the work, please contact cityparks@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 294349 during office hours, from 9:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.