Full Breakdown
Brighton removes ~200 trees in Withdean Park to halt elm disease
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Action: Tree removal plan
Brighton & Hove City Council has approved the removal of roughly 200 trees from Withdean Park after inspections uncovered a significant outbreak of elm disease in a concentrated area of the park. The council’s arboriculture team will fell both infected elms and additional trees that, while still appearing healthy, are deemed at risk because of underground root connections to the diseased specimens. A mature ash tree is also slated for removal. Work is scheduled to begin on a Monday and is expected to continue for about three weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Council officials explained that the removal is intended to stop the spread of the disease and to prevent future recurrence through the park’s interconnected root systems. The council emphasized that the approach targets both visibly diseased trees and those that could serve as hidden carriers, thereby protecting the remaining healthy vegetation in the park.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
“It's always sad when trees have to be felled, but the work planned for Withdean Park is essential to manage the ongoing problem of elm disease and to protect other healthy trees.” — Councillor Alan Robins