New tree disease hits park

Some trees and shrubs have been hit by a very serious fungal-like disease and action must be taken to protect healthy trees in the park, which has extensive woodland areas.

There will be a Public Meeting in Todmorden Town Hall this Friday, December 11, at 1pm, if you want to know more.

There is a serious notifiable fungal-like disease in Centre Vale Park which is killing trees and shrubs.

Many mature Beech trees are dying quickly and others are affected, says Calderdale Council, which has organised the meeting in conjunction with local group The Friends of Centre Vale Park. 

This Ramorum Disease is very serious in its effects and has potential to spread elsewhere. It is a relatively new disease to this country and has already killed millions of trees from Cornwall to Scotland.

Calderdale Council has worked closely with the Forestry Commission to produce a programme of works designed to contain the disease. Some big trees will have to be felled and shrubs like Rhododendron, which harbour the infecting spores, must be cut down and burned.

This work will start in January.

Tree Health Officer from the Forestry Commission, Alan Ockenden, will give an illustrated talk during which he will explain what the disease is, how to identify it, and why it is so necessary to stop it spreading.

Calderdale Council officers will be there to answer any questions on the felling and burning.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “Seeing trees felled is not an experience anyone enjoys and it is important that we can all understand why this drastic action needs to be taken.”

Friends of Centre Vale Park can be contacted by emailing [email protected]