This month, a scheme has been initiated to promote natural regeneration in areas of Brackla Hill Woodland, where diseased ash trees were removed last year.
The local authority took away a number of trees identified with ash dieback disease in Brackla Hill Woodlands, along the rear of Lark Rise and Hazel Tree Way, with further plans in place to remove affected trees in the adjacent area in due course.
Ash dieback is the most devastating tree disease since Dutch elm disease, which killed 60 million elm trees in the UK during two epidemics in the 1920s and 1970s. Infected trees weaken over time, posing a safety risk, with branches of the trees falling onto footpaths, roads, and property.
The current replanting scheme is in its early stages, with sketch proposals for the project expected to be completed in February. Following an initial consideration of the proposals, a commissioned external landscape architect will offer a final scheme by March 2025 and replanting works could start in the autumn of 2025, if sufficient funding is available.
Bridgend County Borough Council will engage in discussions and establish a partnership with Brackla Community Council in relation to the tree planting initiatives at Brackla Woodland and other areas within the vicinity.
Chair of Brackla Community Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Eugene Caparros, said: “Brackla Community Council is excited to work with the local authority to protect our environment, as well as improve green spaces for local residents and future generations to enjoy.”
We are keen to collaborate with Brackla Community Council in our regeneration efforts throughout areas of Brackla, including Brackla Hill Woodlands.
This particular project is a positive response to the unavoidable work that took place last year to minimise any risks to people or property in the area caused by ash dieback disease. We are also aware that the further removal of infected trees in the adjoining area will also be necessary at some point in the future.
However, for now, pending sufficient funds, we look forward to autumn 2025 when the replanting can begin.
Cllr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment
