The Town Council has received the below which explains why the work is being undertaken and also details of road closures that may affect your journey times.
Notice of work to remove trees infected with Ash Dieback disease on Catterick Training Area
As a valued neighbour, we are writing to inform you that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), its industry partner, Landmarc Support Services, and its contractor KWR Plant Hire Ltd, will shortly be commencing important work on Catterick Training Area to remove around 2,000 trees that have been identified as being infected with Ash Dieback disease. Many of the affected trees border the A6108 and B6270 along the Swale Corridor between Richmond and Reeth, which means that the work will involve a number of road closures to ensure trees can be removed safely and that road users and the local workforce are protected.
Details of the closures
The closures, which have been discussed and agreed with North Yorkshire County Council, will take place from 7:00am until 6:00pm on weekdays only from Monday 24 January. The work is expected to take approximately six weeks, though some follow-up felling will be required next winter.
The first stage will see the closure of the A6108 for felling which will last until Friday 28 January. There will then be a week’s break followed by the start of closures and felling along the B6270 from the 7 February. This second phase is expected to be completed in mid-March. Diversions will be in place and clearly signed but work will be temporarily halted to allow buses and emergency vehicles to continue along the road on their usual routes to avoid delays.
Details of specific closures as they occur will be available on www.gov.uk or on the North Yorkshire County Council website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-road-closures-and-diversions.
About Ash Dieback disease
Ash Dieback is a serious fungal disease of ash trees. There is no cure or treatment for the disease and over time infected trees will weaken, causing branches to fall and trees to eventually collapse and die.
Infection can lead to the death of young trees in just two to three years and of mature trees within three to five years. This presents a significant health and safety risk, especially alongside roads and public rights of way. Whilst it is unfortunate that these trees must be felled, it is the only option to protect the public and other estate users.
Regenerating the woodlands
It is intended that the trees will be replaced through natural regeneration, however, if this does not succeed, we may carry out some replanting with native broadleaves, similar to those already on site.
We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and thank you for your patience. We would also appreciate any help you can give to share this information with local residents.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Landmarc’s National Service Centre by emailing nsc@landmarc.mod.uk, calling 0800 022 3334 or search for Ash Dieback on the Ministry of Defence Estate on www.gov.uk.
Yours faithfully
DIO Forestry Team