AROUND 36,000 larch trees in the Dean are to be felled to combat a deadly disease which has spread from the South West.

The damp weather conditions have brought the fatal fungus phytopthora ramorum to the Forest of Dean in the past six weeks.

Glorious autumn views will disappear forever because there is a ban on replanting any more of the deciduous pines which provide a fiery display in the fall.

Deputy Surveyor Kevin Stannard says the Forestry Commission has to take drastic action to stop it spreading across the Dean.