News from the Commons
3rd June 2026
No, we haven’t gone mad, we really have had some of our trees vaccinated!
In May, we started working with Bartlett Tree Experts to help protect our mature elm trees from Dutch Elm disease. 17 of our magnificent elms were treated with DutchTrig, a biological vaccine that helps stimulate the trees’ natural defence mechanisms against the disease. The trees will receive annual treatments over the next three years as part of a long-term protection programme, helping to safeguard these important landscape features for future generations.
Brighton & Hove City Council began inoculating selected elms in 2023 and has since expanded their programme significantly. In 2025, around 1,400–1,500 elm trees were being treated annually as part of its wider Dutch Elm disease management strategy. We will be keeping a very beady eye on our vaccinated trees and really hope we can keep them safe.
A very tough piece of kit is required to vaccinate the trees.
What are you doing on Saturday 6th June?
Come and find out how you can make your own bird feeder from these apples.
Please do pop along to our Fun Day on Common View meadow (opposite the chemist in Rusthall) on Saturday between 12 noon and 3pm and join the fun!
There will be something for everyone to enjoy, bug hunting with Dr Ian Beavis, guided walks with Michael Blencowe and Ranger Dan, storytelling under the beautiful oak tree, traditional games run by the children from Rusthall Youth Council, butterfly spotting with Butterfly Conservation Kent, I-spy scavenger hunt, conservation crafts, Charlie’s Angels Kitchen, the Stubborn Goat and much more. We will be celebrating the Commons in style.
