Tree felling works set to take place this autumn

Hazardous tree felling work will commence across our landholding at Chipping Sodbury landholding this autumn.
A recent hazardous tree survey of the woodland, including Ridge Wood, The Ridge offices and around the perimeters of the quarry complex sadly identified that many ash trees are affected by ash dieback disease. This means that over time the diseased trees are likely to become brittle, drop branches and the most affected trees will eventually die and collapse. 

We are now taking steps for the safe removal of affected trees, posing a risk. Working with South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), we have secured a felling licence from the Forestry Commission (FC) and a specialist contractor will start felling the affected trees this autumn.

The work is expected to take up to eight months to complete and will involve removing many trees identified as posing a potential hazard.

In order to carry out the works safely, some temporary road and footpath closures may be necessary, and we are liaising with SGC Highways’ team to ensure that all appropriate procedures are followed. Some felled trees will be removed, and the timber used, and some will be left in situ as deadwood habitat piles to support biodiversity. On completion a replanting programme will be implemented and we have already initiated discussions with SGC and Friends of Ridge Wood about this. Steps are expected to include replanting, as well as allowing for some natural regeneration.

Alexandra Hemming, Senior Landscape Architect at Heidelberg Materials, said: “We do need to stress that tree felling is hazardous. To enable the contractors to carry out their work safely and to ensure the public is protected, access to some paths across our Chipping Sodbury land holding will be suspended while tree felling is being carried out and banksmen/sentries will be posted to ensure the safety of users. 

“We urge those using paths for recreational purposes to adhere to the temporary closure notices that will be put up.”