Somerset Council has committed to spending nearly £2.2 million over the next four years to manage and protect the county’s trees, with a strong focus on combating the widespread threat of ash dieback.
In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Highways Act 1980, the council is legally obligated to ensure that trees under its care—such as those along public roads and in parks—do not pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
To fulfill this duty, the council has awarded a four-year contract for essential tree maintenance and reactive care, valued at approximately £675,000 annually, totaling £2,190,000 across the duration of the agreement.
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A key component of the contract is the targeted response to ash dieback, a fungal disease caused by the Chalara fungus that has become widespread throughout Somerset. This disease causes rapid decline and death in ash trees, requiring proactive felling and management to mitigate hazards related to tree failure.
Paul Sweetman, Somerset Council’s service manager for highway risk, explained, “We manage a large and diverse range of trees on council land, including those along highways, schools, and in parks. Our responsibilities include routine maintenance for tree health and structure, as well as urgent interventions following storm damage or disease outbreaks.”
The contract framework is designed to secure specialist services, including mechanised tree felling with equipment such as tree shears and grapple saws, alongside standard tree surgery operations. This approach ensures flexible and cost-effective management compared to establishing an in-house team, which would struggle to accommodate the seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Residents in areas like the Quantock Hills have recently been consulted on strategies to address ash dieback as part of the National Landscape’s new management plan, highlighting the region’s proactive stance against the disease.
While the council has not disclosed the contractors selected for the work, citing commercial sensitivity, it remains committed to safeguarding both public safety and the health of Somerset’s trees through this significant investment.