Ash Tree Works - Coombesdale

From Peak District National Park Authority about further tree works at Coombesdale in November - the path will remain open but may be diverted. There are still orange marks on trees and this year Hope Valley Treecare will be removing some of these during the week beginning 10 November; ash trees that have deteriorated markedly during this last year.  We are retaining ash trees that are in early stages of ash dieback disease as they provide a significant contribution to the landscape and biodiversity; and will also be setting seed some of which may in time give rise to disease resistant/tolerant young trees.   We will also be leaving some large diameter dead wood and brash (small branches) on site as wildlife habitat and the largest mature tree that needs work will have the longest branches reduced in length; increasing safety but retaining the significant habitat in this standing tree.  Some logs will need to be removed.

The approximate work areas are shown on the map below.  Due to the numbers and positions of these trees a footpath closure is not felt necessary and the tree workers will instead be maintaining safe distances during work by temporarily stopping footpath users for short periods and/or directing them around the work (e.g. up the football field rather than the track).  It would be useful if local people could refrain from using the track with vehicles, bicycles and horses during normal working hours during that week as these will be harder to redirect.  

Felicity Stout will be co-ordinating the works this time and will be the best point of contact  (felicity.stout@peakdistrict.gov.uk 01629-816-308 or 07989-428-116).

Kind regards and thanks in anticipation of everybody’s co-operation again this year.

Joe Bawden

Joe Bawden

Tree Inspector

01629 816237