WORKS to ash trees are taking place this week at a nature reserve on trees affected by Ash Dieback disease.

The disease is now present in ash trees across Crewkerne open spaces and works are being carried out at Bincombe Beeches Nature Reserve after the intervention of the council’s arborist.

A message from Crewkerne Town Council said: “You may notice works to ash trees taking place this week at Bincombe Beeches Nature Reserve - these are planned works identified by the council's arborist to remove/carry out works to trees with Ash Dieback disease.

“Unfortunately, this disease is now prevalent in ash trees across all Crewkerne Town Council open spaces.

“We apologise for any inconvenience while these works are taking place and look forward to being able to share details of our replanting plans for the future in due course.”

Earlier this year, Crewkerne Town Council said the Ash Dieback disease was found in ash trees across the town and drew up plans to tackle the issue.

At the time, a town council spokesperson said: “The report from the arborist has identified a large number of trees in Crewkerne with the disease, and categorised them into priority levels, starting with those needing remedial works which include removal this winter.

“The two sites most affected will be Townsend Cemetery, where a stretch of ash trees borders the A30, and Bincombe Beeches Nature Reserve, which is home to a large number of ash trees.”