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31
Aug 2022
Nidd Gorge tree felling complete, but more likely to go next year
The felling of 500 trees with an infectious disease in the Nidd Gorge is now complete — but the Woodland Trust warns more are likely to be chopped down over the next couple of years.
Parts of the popular beauty spot in Bilton look a little different now after the felling, which has been taking place over the last month and involved the closure of some footpaths by the River Nidd.
The conservation charity, which owns Nidd Gorge, said the work was necessary to protect other trees in the woodland. The charity said it did not profit financially from the work.
The disease is called Phytophthora ramorum and has a devastating impact on native trees. Once infected, the tree eventually dies.
Larch trees like those found in Nidd Gorge are highly susceptible to the disease.
The Woodland Trust's site manager, Jonny Walker, said:
A poster about the works in Nidd Gorge
Planned work to improve footpaths will shortly be starting downstream of Rudding Bottoms with further disruption to footpath users.
But it is hoped once complete regular walkers should see safer, firmer footing along the riverside path.
Mr Walker added:
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