Severn Gorge Countryside Trust implements ash dieback management

The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust has announced forestry works in Lower Haywood Plantation to address the high incidence of Ash Dieback (ADB). Due to the fatal nature of this airborne fungal disease, the Trust has decided to fell the majority of ash trees in the area to protect the public from falling branches and trees along extensive path networks.

The initiative is part of a 10-year woodland improvement plan. While primarily a safety measure, the removal of trees is expected to increase sunlight to the woodland floor, benefiting ground flora, invertebrates, bats, butterflies, and birds. The Trust intends to retain ash trees that show resistance to the disease or pose limited public hazard.

Additional works are planned for Benthall Edge as part of a Forestry Commission-approved management plan for the Benthall SSSI woodland, funded by DEFRA’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme. These efforts aim to increase structural diversity and light levels within the woodland.