Seaford Town Council in partnership with Seaford Tree Wardens are assisting East Sussex County Council in an appeal to the public to raise awareness of the tree pest Dutch Elm Disease, which has been identified in Sandore Road, Seaford.
If landowners, the public and residents Elm Protection Volunteers who help to spot the disease, can aid Seaford Town Council and East Sussex County Council to protect the remaining elms in our area. There are only around 50,000 elms still left in East Sussex as a result of action taken over the past 30 years, and this is the largest group of elms in the UK, however with the spread of Dutch Elm disease this number could dramatically reduce the population of Elm trees if untreated.
The disease is caused by a fungus carried by the Elm Bark Beetle or spread through common root systems that join elm trees. The action necessary is the removal either of infected tree limbs or the whole tree or trees, and burning the timber close by to prevent beetles from breeding in it.
If you have a dead tree on your property that you know is an elm, or even if you are unsure whether it is an elm or not, please get in touch so it can be dealt with and stop the spread of infection before more elms need to be felled. Likewise, if you have firewood logs delivered and currently have a stack which you believe might contain elm, or even if you are unsure but would like it to be checked, please do get in touch. Remember to ask your log supplier if the wood you are buying contains elm.
Seaford Town Council works closely with Tree Wardens, who have been instrumental in increasing the number of trees in Seaford, are also keen to ensure the future of trees that are under threat of disease and potential extinction. Pete Tattam, a local Tree Warden has said he is available for consultation regarding any concerns with tress that the public may have, and any infections found will be reported to East Sussex County Council.
If you or you know of anyone who is concerned over trees that may have Dutch Elm disease, please contact Seaford Town Council who can pass on concerns to the local Tree Wardens for inspection and advice on 01323 894870 or email admin@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk or alternatively contact the Dutch Elm Disease Officer directly, Anthony Becvar on 0345 60 80 190 or dutchelmdisease@eastsussex.gov.uk.
