The council has drawn up a three-year plan to manage trees affected by Ash Dieback.

The scheme, developed by Worcester City Council, focuses on pruning or removing trees presenting a health and safety risk without resorting to widescale felling, allowing residents to freely enjoy parks, woodlands, and open spaces.

Ash Dieback, causing leaf loss, dead branches, and potential base lesions in trees, leads to increased susceptibility to secondary infections.

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Generally, trees bearing the infection don't survive beyond a four year period.

Currently, survey data unveiled that approximately three-quarters of Worcester's residual Ash trees are in good health or exhibit early Ash Dieback signs.

However, a concern arises as close to five percent are severely impacted.

Areas already identified as higher risk will have tree work carried out as a priority, with six severely affected trees from Astwood Cemetery scheduled for removal.

Conversely, the survey also distinguished specific trees exhibiting strong resistance to Ash Dieback, which are now tagged and documented for safeguarding for future seed collection attempts.

The Draft Ash Dieback Strategy & Action Plan 2024-27 is set to be examined in the next Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 30.

The council is actively seeking funds to engage specialist contractors when required.

Cllr Karen Lewing, chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: "This three-year Ash Dieback strategy sets out a framework which will enable us to deal with the problem of Ash Dieback as swiftly as possible to prevent spread and save as many trees as we can."

"In order to try and minimise the impact of Ash Dieback we will need to remove some diseased Ash trees, but we are confident that as we continue in our programme of planting new trees, we can ensure that our wooded areas are the best possible habitats for flora and fauna."

"We remain committed to improving Worcester’s environment and our ongoing programme of tree planting and woodland management will provide increased biodiversity and improved resilience."