A NATURE reserve between Yate and Chipping Sodbury has been shut for six weeks for emergency work, officials say. 

Works to tackle ash dieback disease started at Ridge Wood on Monday.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Street Care team have apologised for any inconvenience.

A spokesperson said: “Ridge Wood will be closed for six weeks to carry out emergency work to tackle ash dieback disease.

“The whole wood needs to be closed for the tree felling work meaning footpath diversions will be in place with notices on site to inform residents.

“The contractor will start at the Quarry Road entrance and work towards Peg Hill. 

“It is hoped the work can be done in six weeks but due to its complexity it may not be possible to achieve this in a safe manner.

“It may mean the wood is closed for six weeks before Christmas, and will reopen and then close again after Christmas to complete the work.

“We apologise for any inconvenience but the felling is essential to maintain a safe environment for residents.”

Ash dieback, which was first seen in the UK in 2012, causes leaf loss and crown dieback and can lead to tree death.

The disease has continued to threaten to wipe out to 80 per cent of Britain’s native ash trees, as they have not evolved natural defences against the fungus originally from Asia.