WOODLAND WARNING: Hurstwood Near Waterlooville Closed as Diseased Ash Trees Face Removal

Dead and dying ash trees are set to be removed from Hurstwood near Waterlooville after Havant Borough Council said ash dieback had made parts of the woodland unsafe for visitors.

The council announced an urgent woodland management programme on 1 May, saying affected areas would be fenced off and closed to the public until the work is complete.

Chief executive Matt Goodwin said ash dieback significantly weakens ash trees, making branches brittle and creating a risk that branches or whole trees can fall with little warning.

The council said routine inspections had identified the need to remove diseased trees at Hurstwood to keep people safe. Entrances to the woodland have been fenced off and signs have been put up in the area.

A qualified ecologist is due to be on site during felling and pruning works to advise on wildlife issues, including nesting birds and mammals or amphibians that could be foraging or moving through the woodland.

The council says there is no treatment to save affected ash trees once infected. It also said the work could improve biodiversity by increasing light reaching the woodland floor and retaining some dead wood as habitat and soil nutrient.

Ash dieback is forecast to kill 80% of the UK’s ash trees, according to the council. Residents are being told not to enter closed areas until the safety works are complete.

Source: Havant Borough Council, published 1 May 2026.