Posted on Monday 19th February 2024
Deep Hayes Country Park's main car park has temporarily closed so diseased trees can be removed from the area.
The main car park at Deep Hayes Country Park has temporarily closed so that rangers can remove diseased trees that are at risk of falling.
This important tree safety work involves cutting down Ash trees afflicted with a harmful fungus called Ash Dieback.
Works to remove these diseased trees commenced today (Monday 19 February) and is expected to take up to a couple of days.
Their removal is crucial for public safety, as they are at a high risk of falling, and for giving the park’s remaining Ash trees – that are not as badly affected – a chance to survive.
Limited parking will be available on the access ramp and the adjacent pull in.
Since the introduction of the Asian Ash Dieback fungus to Europe around 30 years ago, it has had a devastating impact on the population of the UK’s native ash trees.
Ash Dieback can affect trees of all ages and, according to the Woodland Trust, is predicted to kill 80% of ash trees across the UK.
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Victoria Wilson, said:
“We need to close the main Deep Hayes car park so our rangers can remove ash trees afflicted with Dieback.
“Leaving these trees where they are would not only be a safety risk to park users, but it would also have devastating consequences for the woodland’s biodiversity and irreplaceable habitats.
“Signs and barriers have already been put up in the area to give members of the public notice of the works. The onsite toilets will still be available to use and park users will still be able to access the footpath, but they must follow the diversion signs in place.”