Five hundred larch trees will be felled in Nidd Gorge due to a disease that is ripping through the woodland.
The Woodland Trust, which owns Nidd Gorge, says the infectious disease is called phytophthora ramorum and is already having a devastating impact on native trees.
Government body Forestry England has given the trust permission to fell the trees before it spreads further.
It means some of the footpaths in the popular beauty spot will close this spring and summer whilst work takes place.
Paul Bunton, community engagement officer at the trust, said:
“It is devastating news for our site team and visitors that we are having to reluctantly fell these diseased trees at Nidd Gorge to protect others. Phytophthora ramorum, while of no risk to the public, is one of the biggest threats to our native tree species at the site.
“Nidd Gorge is and will remain a really popular and cherished woodland close to Harrogate and Knaresborough and we ask the public to bear with us while we carry out the work.
“Our community events are a great opportunity for people to find out more before the work starts, especially those who visit the woodland on a regular basis.”
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Keith Wilkinson, chair of Bilton Conservation Group, described what happens to larch trees once they become infected with the disease.
“It’s not a mould or a fungus but it is between the two and it attacks the larch. The needles start dying. It takes a while to kill the tree, but once it’s got it, it’s doomed.”
The Woodland Trust is holding two drop-in sessions in Bilton where members of the public can find out more about the works and ask questions to staff.
These will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at Bilton Community Centre between 6pm and 9pm and on Nidderdale Greenway off Bilton Lane on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.
