Concern over rise in Dutch Elm Disease in East Sussex

Video report by ITV Meridian reporter Malcolm Shaw

There's growing concern over a massive rise in Dutch Elm Disease in East Sussex. It's affecting the elm tree population and is caused by a tiny beetle which spreads the infection. This year has become one of the worst on record for the disease.

Up to twenty-five million trees were lost in the 1970s to Dutch Elm Disease, leaving many counties with none. East Sussex managed to save thousands, however, thanks to a rigorous control programme of removing affected trees. The same programme is being continued this year, while other long-term solutions are also being investigated.

Long term solutions to the disease are now being investigated

Currently, the main weapon against the disease is felling.  Two of the oldest examples in the country stood alongside each other in Preston Park in Brighton for 400 years until one succumbed to Dutch Elm disease last summer. It had to be felled to save its twin. 

One of the oldest elm trees in the country had to be felled in Brighton last year after getting the disease.

The council there is now urging the public to tell them if they see other trees showing the classic symptoms of the disease which are leaves wilting and turning yellow and brown prematurely.