Today (Monday, January 23), Forestry England starts work to remove Isle of Wight trees infected with Ash dieback disease, or chalara.
First discovered in the UK in 2012, chalara is caused by a fungus that blocks the tree’s water transport system.
It is not harmful to people or animals, but it can kill ash trees and it's feared it could lead to the loss of around 60 -180 million ash trees across the UK.
Forestry England says it hopes taking direct action will help manage the disease and reduce its impact.
On the Island, tree felling will continue until the end of February.
We are asked not to not to climb on log stacks and to be extra vigilant for lorries moving timber, while walking in Parkhurst Forest, Bouldnor Forest, Firestone Copse and Combley Great Wood.
Forestry England’s Ben Phelan said: "Ash dieback disease has caused many trees to become brittle and unstable, and a cause for concern.
"The removal of diseased ash trees is unwelcome, but a necessary job that is vital to help prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy trees."
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