Request from A Rocha regarding Ash Tree Die-back

The media as you may be aware have reported a new and very serious threat to the UK countryside-in the form of a fungus Chalara fraxinea. This fungus has the capacity to decimate our native Ash tree population-in much the same way as Dutch Elm disease wiped out the Elm population last century.

This species of tree has a significant place in many of our church yards and church grounds-and we have been asked to please monitor our Ash trees this winter and during the spring and early summer months next year. The pdf document in the link below (courtesy of The Forestry Commission) indicates what you are looking for. Lesions appear on the bark surface and can grow considerably in size. the bark underneath is often discoloured and grey or brownish.  It can kill the tree, or lead to substantial die back of the crown.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/pest-alert-ash-dieback-2012.pdf/$FILE/pest-alert-ash-dieback-2012.pdf

At the request of lead agencies, can you:

1) Look out for signs or symptoms of this disease in your church yard/church grounds
2) Send any photos or descriptions, plus your location and contact details to:   jenny.griffiths a_t arocha d_o_t org -with "TREE" in the subject line. We will send any suspect photos/descriptions to DEFRA/Forestry Commission and send you an acknowledgement.

Dr Joan Webber, Principle Pathologist for the Forestry Commission has said; "we really appreciate A Rocha's and the wider churches input into trying to control and eradicate a potentially devastating fungus".....so on her endorsement it is over to you.


Andy Lester, A Rocha.