02/09/2026
MESSAGE FROM THE LECONFIELD ESTATE
WASHINGTON COPSE, FROG FARM
CHALARA ASH DIEBACK TREE FELLING
Ash trees throughout the country are in decline and dying from Chalara ash dieback, which causes dieback of the tree crown and in most cases leads to the death of the tree and in conjunction with other fungal attacks, such as Honey fungus, can cause the trees to decay and fall over. The degree and speed of effect varies from tree to tree, but the best information we have at present, is that about 95% of the ash will die and even those that show tolerance to the disease will not be completely unaffected. We are already seeing increasing numbers of trees with decay within the trunks, crown
dieback and fallen branches. Ash wood and branches become brittle when infected and soon break. This is becoming a major concern for owners of these trees, especially where they are adjoining a road, property, or where there is public access, where public safety and inconvenience are likely to become a
major issue. Leconfield estate, other local landowners and Councils are therefore taking a proactive approach and felling most ash trees.
You may have noticed that the small copse to the south-west of Petworth (see map below) is in severe decline and several ash trees and branches have already fallen. We as the land owners representative, are aware these woods are used extensively and unofficially for public access and are concerned that a
tree or branch may fall and injure someone. We are therefore intending to fell the ash trees and also most of the elm trees, which are also dying. Where there are clumps of younger oak, these will be retained to soften the landscape and wildlife impact. In order to fell the trees, we will have to cut the understorey and this will also enable us to replant the felled areas. Initially it will look messy (there’s no point telling you otherwise) but as soon as the
felling and timber removal has taken place, we will remove all the remaining lop and top.
We appreciate that this will not be welcome news, as this is a pleasant woodland as it is and we can assure you that there was no intention of doing any more than minimal intervention in these areas up till now. This will have a visual impact but nature has a marvelous way of recovering and in 2 or 3 years, young trees will be growing back up and it will help to diversify the woodland. Trees are inspected and marked and checks are made for bird and
bat roosts and other protected species. Please accept our apologies for any short term disturbance, which is unavoidable.
During the work, public access will not be permitted within the working areas for your own safety. We are hoping to carry out the work this September. Signage will notify you of work commencing. Some of the preparatory work may take place before the main felling. Please take care and keep away from felling and machines.
All the timber will be removed and sold for milling timber and cordwood (firewood). This will not be removed immediately but will be removed as soon as possible and is essential to cover some of the costs. We should point out that this is not a money making exercise and in fact quite the opposite. We are doing this to keep people safe and because we wish to pro-actively care for the woodland.
This disease and many others afflicting trees at present are very regrettable. The best thing we can do is to continue to actively manage our trees and woodlands, so they are as vigorous and healthy as possible and better able to withstand attacks.
We have a Forestry Commission felling license in place and the work complies with all statutory requirements. If you have any queries concerning the work please call me,
Neil Humphris
