Tree felling underway in Worthing woodlands affected by disease

Tree felling is underway at Cissbury Fields in Worthing as the council removes ash trees affected by ash dieback, with work at The Gallops due to follow.

Worthing Borough Council said contractors have returned to Sheepcombe Hanger to complete remaining felling after work was paused earlier this year to avoid disturbing nesting birds. The council said ash dieback weakens trees and can eventually make them unsafe, with priority being given to those posing the greatest risk to visitors and woodland paths.

Once work at Cissbury Fields is complete, contractors will move to The Gallops to remove infected ash trees and elms affected by Dutch elm disease. Hundreds of replacement trees of different species are planned, with planting at Sheepcombe Hanger this winter and at The Gallops next winter.