Stanmer Park, located in Brighton’s largest park, will see the loss of hundreds of its trees following an outbreak of ash dieback.

With an increase in diseased trees falling onto pathways in the Great Wood area in recent months, it is expected that hundreds of the park’s trees will be felled in the coming month.

Arboriculturists entered the park earlier this week to begin the emergency removal of infected trees, some of which are more than 100 years old.

The decision to fell the diseased trees during the designated bird nesting season comes as a result of the increased risk to public safety caused by falling trees and dead branches in windy conditions.

In a statement released by Brighton and Hove City Council, it says the removal team will be working with an ecologist to “ensure that the disturbance to wildlife is minimised.”

Any active nests will be avoided until the chicks have fledged, says the Council.

Path diversions and area closures will be in place throughout the felling process which is expected to take three to four weeks.