READING Borough Council says action to fell a number of dangerous trees at Clayfield Copse affected by ash dieback disease will begin shortly.
Affected trees that are in close enough proximity to paths through the copse that they endanger residents will need to be felled for public safety.
Those further back from pathways that do not present a safety issue will be left standing to degrade naturally.
The prevalence of the fungal disease across the UK has arrived later to parts of the southeast, but has been increasing in the borough over recent years.
It has the effect of significantly weakening ash trees and killing them; the branches of affected trees quickly become brittle, causing the branches (and in some cases the entire tree) can fall suddenly.
There is no available treatment for affected specimens, meaning the only option is to fell trees which present a danger as they die off naturally.
The council has therefore applied for a licence from the Forestry Commission to fell affected trees at Clayfield Copse, or cut them back if it is safe to do so.
It is working with ecologists and bat societies to ensure affected trees are inspected in advance of any work starting.
If bat roosts are discovered, the dead tree stem will be left as a habitat where safe to do so.
Qualified tree surgeons will carry out the work, with signage in place and disturbance kept to a minimum. Residents are encouraged to use the Copse with care and attention and keep dogs on leads whilst enjoying the area.
While the council says the work will have some impact on canopy cover in areas of Clayfield Copse, a replanting programme including natural regeneration, whips and mature tree replacement is being developed with expert advice to regenerate loss with a range of other species such as oaks, hazels, birches, and beeches.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety said: “For a borough that prides itself on its many beautiful and well used green spaces, it is very sad to announce this unavoidable work.
“The safety of our residents will always be our number one priority, and the action we take will safeguard this.
“We will be working hard to ensure the vista of Clayfield Copse is as unchanged as possible, and will only be removing trees and branches where residents could be at risk–where the trees can be left to fall naturally further within the copse, they will be.
“I am proud of the proactive way officers have established a well-researched and well-planned approach to the management of this unavoidable situation with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and bat societies.
“In parallel to this, the Council will continue its programme of adding at least 300 new trees to Reading’s stock each year through our Tree Strategy commitment to increase canopy cover for Reading.
“We would like to reassure residents that all of the trees that must be removed from Clayfield Copse will be replaced, above and beyond that work.
“So whilst there will be a short-term loss at Clayfield Copse, by addressing this issue head-on now the Copse will continue, over time, to be a thriving nature area with just as many trees as before, but in a much healthier, more resilient state.”
