Forestry operations Leigh Woods

Updated 8th October 2021

Leigh Woods entrance and car park will be closed Wednesday 6 October until 12.00pm Friday 8 October. This is so that we can safely remove some trees that are infected with chalara ash dieback. We might be able to re-open the car park during the afternoon but this will depend on how work progresses on the day. Thank you for your patience while we carry out this essential safety work.

Chalara ash dieback is a destructive disease of ash trees, caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Chalara affects ash trees across the UK and Europe. The fungus blocks the tree’s water transport system, causing leaf loss, and lesions in the wood and on the bark. This causes the crown of the tree to – literally – die back. Trees become brittle over time and may drop branches.

For more information about chalara ash dieback, please visit https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/fthr/pest-and-disease-resources/ash-dieback-hymenoscyphus-fraxineus/

Photo shows someone holding two ash leaves. The one of the left has seven green leaflets that form the overall leaf. The one on the right is a similar form leaf but is brown and wilted, which is a clear indication of ash dieback disease.