Radio 4 Extra has been replaying Richard Mabey’s programme on the ash tree:
Yew, Sycamore And Ash—Series 2
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It is a beautiful tree:
Under the ash tree © Andrew Curtis cc-by-sa/2.0 :: Geograph …
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The Sidmouth Arboretum has been considering what can be done in the Sid Valley:
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There has been a lot in the press about ash dieback (Chalara), which causes leaf loss, crown dieback and bark lesions in affected trees.
East Devon District Council tree officers confirm that the disease is active in the Sid Valley and it seems that over the next 10 years or so we will lose our ash trees, which represent 18 per cent of the leaf area in the Sid Valley (cf i-Tree survey 2014).
However, some ash trees appear to be able to tolerate or resist infection, and scientists are studying the genetic factors which make this possible so that tolerant ash trees can be bred for the future. (www.forestry.gov.uk/ashdieback)
Threats and opportunities for Sidmouth Arboretum | Sidmouth Herald
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Earlier this year, reports from the county were providing more detail about the state of the ash:
Futures Forum: Ash dieback in Devon
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The county council is taking further action, as reported by the Sidmouth Hub news this week:
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Initiative to reduce impact of Ash dieback and help with climate crisis
Devon County Council and the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum are encouraging people to make use of the planting schemes offered by The Woodland Trust.
Free tree packs are available for schools and communities, while landowners looking to plant more than 500 trees can access grants and funding schemes through the conservation charity. Find out more at The Woodland Trust.
For more information, advice and support about Ash dieback in Devon, including advice on appropriate tree selection to replace ash trees, engaging a contractor, and a farmers information sheet, visit the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum website.
Initiative to reduce impact of Ash dieback and help with climate crisis
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