A highly destructive disease which is ravaging large trees has led to a felling operation in a Peak District nature reserve.

Wyming Brook is home to larch and sweet chestnut trees, which are particularly prone to the disease known as Phytophthora ramorum.

It has no cure and so the only solution is to chop down the affected species of tree. 

James Hargreaves, from Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust which manages the reserve, said: “It’s unfortunate and felling trees is always a last resort but it has to be done.”

“The disease came from abroad decades ago and is pretty much ravaging large trees across the country.”

As a result of the felling operation Wyming Brook Drive, the main road running through Wyming Brook, and the car park off Redmires Road, will close. 

It is unclear if the closures will allow for vehicle access, as is it not definite whether other car parks will remain open. 

The operation will be in two phases, the first beginning in January or February and lasting until Spring. 

This allows the sections of the reserve closed due to the operation to reopen for spring and summer, with the second phase beginning next September. 

Reopening for the spring allows the brook to be open during the time when the number of visitors peaks, as well as minimising the impact on local wildlife, as spring marks the start of bird-nesting season. 

Mr Hargreaves said: “We are hoping to facilitate as much normality in the area as possible but there is the possibility that horse and bicycle access will be disrupted.”