Tree felling to start in Goyt Valley

A major tree felling operation is about to get under way in the Goyt Valley in a bid to remove a tree disease from the area and stop it spreading.

Since an aerial survey revealed the outbreak of Phytophthora ramorum (P. ramorum) last summer, Forestry England have already cleared 22 hectares of diseased trees.

Work is starting this month, mainly in the south of Goyt Valley, to clear a further 44 hectares. Infected larch, sweet chestnut and rhododendron are being removed as they are known transmitters of the fungal disease.

Forestry England Forester Dan Pincott said: “We’ve had to take swift action to respond to this natural emergency and fell these trees to stop this fungal disease spreading.

“Phytophthora can be transmitted on the wind as well as on boots, wheels and even muddy paws so the risk of it spreading is very real. Sadly, infected trees will gradually die anyway and by acting now we can start replanting sooner.”

Trees already removed from the first area in the Goyt Valley. Photo: Emma Downes. 

The areas that have been cleared will be replanted over the next five years with a diverse mix of trees to replace those that have to be removed and is expected to incorporate five or six conifer species and three or four broadleaf species.

Dan said: “It will be a much more diverse range and that helps against threats of disease in the future.”

The work to fell, stack and remove the trees will mean a number of paths will have to be diverted and some areas be temporarily closed whilst the work, involving large machinery, is taking place.

The road to Derbyshire Bridge will have to be closed for some time later in the summer. 

Logging machinery. Photo: Forestry England. 

Forestry England Operations Manager Richard Topley said: “Most of the Goyt Valley will remain open for visitors, but forest operations can be dangerous, so it’s important for visitors to follow safety signs and diversions on footpaths and remember to keep off log stacks.”

The felled timber will not go to waste and will be used for fencing, construction, and biomass.

Forestry England’s ecology team have surveyed the area so that the impact on wildlife and habitats is minimised.

Stacks of timber. Photo: Forestry England. 

The Goyt Valley team have produced a short video which explains the work that’s happening. You can watch it at the top of the page. 

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