What actions can be taken to draw greater attention to Ash dieback?
The Woodland Trust thinks that 80% of Britain's ash trees ( Fraxinus excelsior) will die. I have seen the almost complete disappearance of majestic Elm trees, and I fear I may witness the same for Ash trees.
Next time you are out walking, look up, and you will see that the majestic ash trees look forlorn with sparse leaves and naked branches in summer.
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is a fungus imported from Asia that crossed the Channel, probably due to failures in biosecurity as early as 2006 but definitely by 2012. The fungus produces spores borne by the wind and causes disease in Ash trees called Chalara ( Ash dieback). It causes root collar necrosis that stops the tree sucking up water and will eventually kill it.
The Ash is a native British tree whose range extends through England, Wales, and Scotland. It is a crucial woodland tree; its leaf litter has a high nutrient content, and over 30 invertebrates, four lichens, and 11 fungi coexist with the Ash tree.
Where are the positives?
The large ancient trees, particularly those that were pollarded, may last longer.
Ash trees are more genetically heterogeneous, unlike Elm trees, which are all from one clone. This means that some may be tolerant of the disease.
The Future Trees Trust estimates that 1% of Ash trees equate to about 1.5 million ash trees that may tolerate or live with the disease.
The Future Trees Trust is working with Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and the Living Ash project to establish a "National Archive of Tolerant Ash.”
How can we help?
Join your local Wildlife trust and get involved in planting replacement trees and, even more importantly, in caring for the new trees.
Petition local councils not to cut down Ash trees (that are not in danger of falling on people) as it is impossible to know which ones will be tolerant to the disease, and standing dead trees are homes to invertebrates, lichen, and fungi.
Donate to charities that are seeking a solution, such as:
