An extensive citywide scheme is underway to treat hundreds of trees in Brighton and Hove.

Brighton and Hove City Council is launching its annual elm vaccination scheme within the coming weeks, with approximately 1,500 trees due to be addressed during a fortnight-long operation aimed at safeguarding the city’s distinctive elm population.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the procedure involves administering an organic, non-harmful biological agent containing a beneficial fungus directly into each tree.

The fungus enables the tree to develop immunity against Dutch elm disease, which is transmitted by the elm bark beetle.

Councillor Alan Robins, the cabinet member responsible for sport, recreation and libraries, stated that Brighton and Hove possesses some of the world’s most uncommon elm specimens, a situation that has been achieved through the continued success of their tree surveillance programme, treatment of affected trees and the vaccination effort.

The survival of the city’s elm heritage is down to many years of partnership between the council, regional and national experts, educational institutions and volunteer residents.

The city is fortunate to have access to impressive trees throughout its streets and green spaces, including several extremely uncommon elms.

There is also a vigorous programme for planting new trees.

The elms serve as essential habitat for wildlife including the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, whose numbers have plummeted by 80 per cent since 1976.

This year’s vaccination effort encompasses elms throughout the city, including those situated in Hove Park, Queen’s Park, Preston Park, Pavilion Gardens, Valley Gardens, The Level, Ticehurst Road, Dyke Road and Saltdean Vale.

Twenty-six unusual elms throughout the city will additionally receive treatment, along with adjacent specimens.

The vaccination scheme represents just one element of the council’s broader strategy to preserve its historical elm heritage.

The council’s tree management specialists carry out frequent assessments, occasionally employing aerial drones, to identify indicators of illness.

Furthermore, specimens are being collected from 26 trees as part of a research initiative based at Kew Gardens that aims to chart the genetic makeup of elms to establish lineage and possible resistance to Dutch elm disease.

The council also collaborates with Plumpton College to cultivate threatened elm varieties, supported by a grant from Plant Heritage.

Local residents are urged to notify authorities of any disease symptoms and to participate in preservation efforts.