Agenda item - Tree Diseases in Brighton & Hove

45.1    Cllr Robins presented the update on tree diseases, he explained the high profile tree removal works, why this is needed and ways to combat threats to nature. Elm and Ash disease are in the city which ultimately results in tree decline and there’s a lot of work going on to prevent a rapid spread. The city’s woodlands are under threat and becoming fragile due to pests and diseases, which can become a threat to public safety. Biosecurity measures, development of current disease control responses, and a longer-term tree strategy will be worked on in due course.

45.2    Cllr Sykes asked about sanctions for privately owned organisations that may have contributed to the spread of tree disease, by not disposing of diseased logs in the appropriate way, and whether tree species that deal better with climate change will be re-planted. Mike Harris said it was about having the right tree in the right place and that there isn’t a sanctions policy, but the storing of logs does cause a problem.

45.3    Cllr Fowler asked about public safety, that diseased trees become fragile and the branches can fall on people causing serious injury; tree felling had to be done in Hollingbury Woods. She asked what type of tree will be re-planted and whether they will be fast-growing. Cllr Robins said that they have a Woodland Advisory Group with cross party membership and members of the community. They were devastated when the trees were lost but it opened up a space to the sun and now bluebells grow there and there are a lot of butterflies; they are deciding how to design the replanting scheme and the group are coming up with good ideas.

45.4    Cllr Fowler said it would be good to include “Friends of” groups and to improve communication so local communities know what’s going on. Mike Harris said they liaise with the “Friends of” groups and ward councillors but sometimes they need to be reactive at short notice. Cllr Shanks said that residents need to know why trees are being felled and suggested putting letters through doors or a notice on the affected tree. Mark Strong who represents the community voluntary sector said that they have a rep for environmental issues who would like to be kept informed and they have direct access to the “Friends of” groups and can be used to spread the word.

45.5    Mark Strong said that climate change has not been mentioned, and that the loss of trees has a big impact with less of a cooling effect on the area and less carbon dioxide being captured. Cllr Robins said they have some funding for replanting, that it is easy to plant trees in parks and woodland but street trees are difficult due to higher costs, removing stumps and other debris as well as making good the road or pavement afterwards. Cllr Robins would defend cutting down trees over not cutting them down and someone getting hurt.

45.6    Cllr Robins said they are trying to save what they can through inoculating trees but they have limited funding and need to prioritise. Mike Harris said that they are leading the way with the largest inoculation programme in the country. Cllr Robins said there is an elm tree in Portslade which is the only mature type of that tree in the world.

45.7    RESOLVED – that the report be noted.