Project Description:

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and Ash Dieback are two significant tree diseases that have severely impacted their populations and the biodiversity and ecological balance of urban and rural landscapes across Europe. This project aims to quantitatively evaluate the impact of current management strategies and develop robust epidemiological models to understand and mitigate these fungal diseases within Sussex.

The project’s objectives are to:

• Conduct comprehensive surveys to map the distribution and severity of DED and Ash Dieback in Sussex.
• Develop and refine epidemiological models to predict the spread and impact of DED and Ash Dieback, incorporating factors such as climate, tree density, and management practices.
• Evaluate the ecological consequences of DED and Ash Dieback on local biodiversity, focusing on the habitats provided by ash woodlands, urban elms, and mature and veteran trees of both species, and their role in supporting ecological diversity.
• Quantitatively assess the direct impact of DED and Ash Dieback on elm and ash trees, and the indirect impact on biodiversity. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of current management strategies such as biological control methods, resistant tree planting, and other interventions on disease prevalence and tree health.

By integrating advanced modelling techniques with a deeper understanding of the epidemiological and ecological dynamics, this project will provide evidence-based and actionable management recommendations for optimising disease management strategies.
The project will be led by Prof. Pierre Nouvellet and Dr. Maria Clara Castellanos from the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Sussex, in collaboration with Brighton and Hove City Council. Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, is an ideal location for this project due to its unique urban and rural forests, which include a significant density of ash in woodland and the National Elm Collection in the city. Both provide critical habitats for local biodiversity. Additionally, the proactive environmental policies and strong community engagement will ensure meaningful involvement of stakeholders with the project.