Protest over plans to fell 147 trees with ash dieback disease

They say a tree survey to see what needed to be done was carried out in October instead of during the summer when some of the trees showed signs of life.

James Crawford, a FROBAW member and assistant manager in Avoncliff Wood, said he had examined a random sample of the trees marked for felling and had found that some were not dead.

FROBAW said: “Such trees which now show clearly that they are neither 'dead' nor 'dying' need not be felled for reasons of public safety - and in BAW where the trees have very high ecological and amenity value, they must not be felled.

"The trees need to be re-surveyed at the correct time of year, in the summer.”

But the town council plans to stick to its plans despite a planned protest by FROBAW members.

Ash Dieback warning signs in Becky Addy Wood

A town council spokesman said: "In summer 2020 a professional ecological survey identified ash dieback as a potential issue in the woods.

"Since then, it has extensively spread, and work is being carefully planned to minimise damage and risk to the public.

"The works will also maximise biodiversity and the on-going recovery of the woodland.

"Public safety, as well as the health of trees, has been considered and no healthy trees will be removed.

"In early October a tree survey was carried out which identified a number of dangerous trees. “We have taken into account all of the latest guidance and science and we have been commended by one of the leading scientists undertaking the research into resistance to dieback in ash trees: 'I’ve read your plan with interest – it’s a great plan, and a credit to Bradford on Avon Town Council. It’s what I would do if it (Becky Addy Wood) was in my hands'.

“Our approach is to prioritise the biodiversity in the woodland and to carry out necessary work considering the safety of people using the public footpath through the woods, which is our legal obligation.

“We have consulted with experts to take a forward-looking approach to managing the woodland.

“This will include protecting ground flora and other wildlife and carefully restocking the woodland with a wider mix of tree species so that Becky Addy Wood is ecologically more diverse and resilient.”