Trees are set to be felled in Herefordshire as disease poses a serious risk to public safety.

Asian fungal disease ash dieback has been identified in many trees on Midsummer Hill, near Ledbury, on the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border.

The National Trust, along with Historic England, Natural England and the Forestry Commission, will carry out “sensitive” felling of the worst affected trees.

The trust said ash trees infected with the disease pose a serious risk to public safety as they become vulnerable and unpredictable, shedding limbs and boughs as they “die back”.

The area is also home to an Iron Age hillfort which has scheduled ancient monument status.

The felling will be carried out to create minimal disturbance to the historically significant landscape.

Midsummer Hill also forms part of the much larger Malvern Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and supports various habitats and wildlife.

The National Trust said that once work is complete the area will be established as species-rich grassland, which will provide an excellent habitat and enhance the SSSI status.

Iain Carter, Herefordshire countryside manager for the National Trust, said: “Visitors to Midsummer Hill will notice a significant change to the landscape, but the work will be hugely beneficial both to the hillfort and wildlife in the long-term, as well as being necessary for public safety.”