Ash dieback

We will always prioritise the safety of the public when undertaking tree removal and woodland management.

Large-scale tree removal has a significant impact on the landscape and can leave it looking bare until it gradually recovers through natural regeneration.

Between 2021 and 2025, we removed hundreds of diseased ash trees in the borough. Unfortunately, many more trees will need to be removed, especially in high-risk public areas.

Planned ash dieback works

Major ash removal works are due to take place between October 2026 and March 2027 at the following locations: 

• Banstead Woods
• Banstead Downs and Park Downs
• Burgh Heath and Banstead Heath
• Reigate Hill

Additional, smaller-scale management is also undertaken by our in-house team. All works are undertaken by specialists and comply with ecological requirements (such as surveys) and necessary licenses.

Public safety during ash dieback works

Whilst works are taking place, you may have reduced access to these areas and notice increased machinery and activity on site.

We kindly ask everyone to avoid closed areas, take extra care and follow any on-site signage whilst works are underway.

Supporting biodiversity

We follow strict national guidance and work closely with our specialist contractors, the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

We will make sure that tree removal works protect wildlife and promote the long-term recovery of our woodlands.

Where large-scale tree removal takes place, areas will be cleared and reinstated to encourage natural regeneration.

Protecting wildlife 

Ash dieback removal works are carried out during the autumn and winter months, which is outside bird nesting season, unless there are exceptional circumstances for specific high-risk tree removal.

Our specialist contractors will carry out European Protected Species checks and other ecological and wildlife surveys and assessments, priory to and during the works. Any required mitigation, licences or restrictions shall be agreed and undertaken.