One of the “most devasting” tree diseases has been discovered at a nature reserve in West Sussex, prompting an immediate felling operation.

The Forestry Commission and the Mid Sussex District Council identified ash dieback in several areas of the Eastern Road nature reserve in Lindfield.

The removal operation will begin on 21 August and continue for three weeks to avoid further spread and potential safety risks to the public, says the council.

Councillor Chris Hobbs, says: “It is devastating to see how many trees have been hit by ash dieback and have to be removed.

“We will be planting more than 1,000 stems per hectare and we will work to identify opportunities for regrowth and improved biodiversity.”

Eastern Road Nature Reserve will remain open to visitors, with restricted access to some areas.