Welcome, guest!
Broken clouds, 8°C, 5mph
It's decimated 90% of Danish ash trees and now it threatens one of Britain's iconic trees. If you see it, report it!
Posted 29th October 2012 by Dan 
9 comments
If you go out for a stroll anywhere in the British countryside, chances are you'll encounter one of our most iconic British trees: the ash tree; identified by its finger-like leaves in summer or by its distinctly black buds against a lighter bark in winter. It's under serious threat....
Ash die-back disease, caused by the chalara fungus, is a serious threat to Britain's ash trees. It's already destroyed over 90% of Danish ash trees 
Brought over from trees imported from Europe (bah!), the disease has had multiple confirmed and suspected cases in East Anglia and Kent. The spread of the disease could change the face of the lovely British landscape beyond recognition.
The new trees planted at the farm are 35% ash trees so we are desperate that the disease can be controlled and eradicated. Fortunately, the ash trees planted at the farm are all locally sourced but this does not suggest any kind of immunity.
There's been a ban of imported ash trees as of today but we are hoping it's not too late.
In an effort to raise awareness, the Forestry Commission has released some photos of the disease and how it effects our beautiful ash trees. You can find the pictures below.
Ash die-back disease, what to look for
More info on the disease and who to contact if you see it
So if you go out for a stroll in the countryside, chances are you'll see an ash tree, identified by it's typical finger like leaves (summer) or black large buds (in winter), have a quick look to see if you notice any of the symptoms, and if you do, contact the forestry commission.
Thank you!
Only registered users can leave a comment. Please sign in or register an account to leave a comment.
Dan 29th October 2012
Please do all you can to help spread this message. We don't want another dutch elm disease!!
Sue, 29th October 2012
Seemingly what I was reading on the internet today.the ash die back disease has been in Europe for the last 20 years. There was a woman scientist and she said it could have come across to England as seeds years ago. Hopefully they will be able to eradicate it in a few years.
Simon 30th October 2012
The Emerald Ash Borer in eastern U.S.A. is now making it's way north to Canada and is actually infesting many of our ash trees already.The beetle which is a beautiful shiny mettalic green lays eggs in the bark of ash trees and it's larva hatches and starts to bore into the softer layers beneath the bark feeding on the nutrients it finds there. If the tree is seen before a full infestation takes place it can be inoculated with a serum that will save the tree and kill the borer. This fix is not cheap; it costs in the $100-125can.range for each tree tended to. If control efforts are not successful, both your ashes and ours will be history.
Sue 7th November 2012
Heard last night on Look North and Calendar that the ash die back virus is noe in Yorkshire at the Hovingham Estate.
Dan 7th November 2012
ooh dear Sue I wonder how long it has been there
Stephanie 7th November 2012
We've had signs around for quite awhile that you cannot take ash wood more than 30 miles because of the ash borer. I'm in Ohio, USA. We lost a few ash trees at our previous residence. I hope yours is not like the Dutch elm.
Catherine&Family 22nd November 2012
Wow Lot's of things happening to trees everywhere. We have our Beattle at it works here too.
Sue, 22nd November 2012
Heard on a programme the other night that Larch Trees have a differnt virus,but they are under threat as well...
Terry 31st December 2012
I can still remember with, great sadness, when they cut down all the Elm trees in England in the early 70's, due to the Dutch Elm infection. Let's hope that the Ash can be saved.
We'd love to know what you think about this post. If you'd like to leave a comment, please complete the form below. When you're happy with it, click the button to submit your comment.