Dutch Elm Disease

Since 1971, East Sussex County Council has been running a successful campaign to control the disease, which is now managed by the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. The success of the campaign is renowned world-wide.

The disease is caused by a fungus and is one of the most seriously damaging tree diseases known. The fungus causes the tree to wilt and die by invading the water transport system of the tree. Spread of the disease occurs in two ways; from tree to tree via root connections; and by a beetle, which carries the fungus over greater distances and which then feeds on the branches and then breeds under the bark. Symptoms of the disease include wilting groups of leaves that turn yellow and then brown. Black streaks and/or brown staining under the bark of affected branches will confirm this.

You must report any unhealthy Elms as quickly as possible as early action can often save the tree. A DED Field Officer will inspect trees and Elm log piles and undertake any appropriate works FREE OF CHARGE providing it is within the DED control area. The County Council could, if necessary require an owner to remove and destroy infected Elms under the provisions of the Dutch Elm Disease (Local Authority) Order 1988.

Dutch Elm Disease (Restriction on Movement of Elms) (Amendment) Order 1988

The following is a list of areas into and within which the movement of Elm with bark (including logs) is restricted:

The districts of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hove, those parts of the parishes of Chailey and Newick which lie south of the southern boundary of the road from Haywards Heath to Maresfield (A272), the parishes of Alciston, Alfriston, Arlington, Barcombe, Beddingham, Berwick, Chalvington, Chiddingly, Ditchling, East Chiltington, East Dean, Falmer, Firle, Folkington, Friston, Glynde, Hailsham, Hamsey, Hellingly, Iford, Isfield, Jevington, Kingston near Lewes, Laughton, Lewes, Litlington, Little Horsted, Lullington, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Pevensey, Piddinghoe, Plumpton, Polegate, Ringmer, Ripe, Rodmell, Selmeston, South Heighton, South Malling (Without), Southease, St Ann (Without), St John (Without), Streat, Tarring Neville, Telscombe, Westdean, Westham, Westmeston, Willingdon, Wilmington, Wivelsfield, the part of the parish of Framfield which lies to the south-west of the south-western boundary of the A22, and that part of the district of Lewes which lies east of the parish of Newhaven, south of the parish of South Heighton and south-west of the district of Wealden.

Contact: DED Control Group: Monty Larkin
Eastern Area Office
Seven Sisters Country Park
Exceat, Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 4AD
(01323) 871328
(01323) 871095
E-mail mlarkin@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk

The following PDF leaflet is about Dutch Elm Disease and includes what to look out for, causes and details about the control areas
 Dutch Elm Disease Leaflet (368.34kb, plan_DED_Leaflet.pdf)

Contact: Trees and Landscape Officer, Daniel Wynn
Address: Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1AB
Telephone: 01273 484438       Fax: 01273 484452      Email: daniel.wynn@lewes.gov.uk