ASH trees are to be felled at a Sedgley nature reserve to tackle a devastating disease which is killing trees across the country.

Dudley Council has appointed a contractor to work on 42 ash trees at Alder Coppice Nature Reserve.

As part of the work, 32 trees which have been badly damaged and weakened by ash dieback disease will be felled for the safety of reserve visitors.

Ten trees will also be pollarded, a technique which will see them remain standing with the hope they can recover over time.

Ash dieback is a fungus that spreads quickly through the air, transporting spores (bacteria) carried by the wind. The spores settle on the tops of ash trees and corrode them from the top down. This disease also weakens the structure of the trees.

Work will start on Wednesday March 8 and is expected to take three weeks to complete, depending on the weather.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "We understand the public may think this is a drastic move and while we would never choose to lose any trees, the felling of the diseased trees is essential.

"We simply have no choice but to do this work to protect and preserve the green space and maintain public safety."

Simon Biggs, chairperson of the Friends of Alder Coppice, added: "This is a horrible disease and inevitably there will be some trees which will have to be removed. But we, and the council, have the best interests of this beautiful woodland at heart."

The council will also carry out other work, including management of 20 willow trees and the coppicing of hazel, a traditional technique used to improve growth, while the work takes place.

The reserve will be closed to the public during early stages, but it is hoped sections can be reopened as work progresses.

A programme to plant more than 100 native trees is planned for later this year to replenish areas where trees have been removed.