Oxfordshire Woodland Group

Hi,

Can anyone provide an update on what to look out for in respect of this ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) disease.

How will we be able to spot this disease over the winter period when there are no leaves on the trees ?

If trees have to be felled what bio security measures are to be put in place to prevent import / export of this disease by tree surgeons / fellers as they move from woodland to woodland.

What is to happen to felled trees - are these to be left on the ground or can they be cut up for firewood and if yes will transportation of firewood encourage the spread of the disease ?

How is this disease affected by weather (dry / damp / cold / etc.).

So many questions.

Regards

Chilterns

By summer 2014 there is as yet no signs of Chalara Fraxinae in the Chilterns.

Whilst enjoying a late afternoon cup of tea in the woodland I happened to gaze skyward and was treated to the sight of the delicate ash leaf canopy above which was both alight and silloueted by the afternoon summer sun.

I wonder how many more summers that I will be able to enjoy this sight ?

Ken Hume

The bad news is that Chalara Fraxinae was confirmed as having reached South Oxfordshire (Wallingford / Woodcote / Theale) in 2015.

You can check the current spread of this disease on the Forestry Commission / DEFRA website map.

A fuller explanation about what to do if affected by Chalara has now been prepared and published by The Forestry Commission.

Chilterns