Page 51 - feb-mag-2022
P. 51
February 2022 February 2022
ASH DIE-BACK
What is Ash Die-Back?
Ash dieback, also known as ‘Chalara ash dieback’ to differentiate it from other
forms of ash dieback, is caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, a type of
Ascomycete fungus, and is a chronic fungal disease that affects the European ash
(Fraxinus excelsior), also known as the common ash. It originated in Asia and is
thought to have been introduced to Europe around 30 years ago.
It has devastated European ash populations ever since because our native ash
trees have not evolved with the disease, like their Asian counterparts, and so have
no natural defence against it.
Chalara ash dieback has spread to, and been recorded in, most of the UK.
When you respond to advertisers, do please tell them you saw
their advert in this magazine - it helps them monitor the Is Ash Die-Back preventable?
The Woodland Trust have said “Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across
effectiveness of their advert and helps us generate more the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the
advertising revenue!! landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.”
It is very difficult to control or limit the spread of the fungus, as it produces its
fruiting bodies between July and October and releases spores into the air. The
Paul Martin 07788 185048 wind then carries these spores for up to tens of miles before they stick to, and then
Electrics 01929 289323 penetrate, the leaves of a tree.
paulmartinelectrics@outlook.com It is very difficult to control the natural spread of an airborne fungus like
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, but we can slow it and do our best to minimise the
Local BH20 electrician, with over forty years’ impact it has on our native ash species.
experience offering:-
After you have visited, but before leaving, any forests, parks, woods or gardens
Consumer Unit (fuse you can brush off any mud, leaves, twigs, soil or other debris and plant matter
board) Replacement from your footwear and from the wheels of any cars, bikes, buggies and
Landlords’ Electrical wheelchairs that you may have brought with you. It would be beneficial if you
Safety Certificate washed these when you got home also, before visiting any other areas.
Additions and When visiting any sites that may be affected by Chalara ash dieback, you can try
Alterations to Existing to ensure your vehicle is parked on concrete, gravel, tarmac or any other hard-
Installations standing surface as opposed to grassland or dirt, if possible.
Portable Appliance Many bike trails in forests have wash-down facilities that visitors can use to wash
Testing their bikes before and after using the trails to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
No VAT – Fully Insured If you manage any grounds, or have ash trees growing on your own grounds, you
Part P Compliant can help prevent the spread of Chalara by deep composting, burying or, if
Free Estimates
All Work Guaranteed permitted, burning any fallen ash leaves. This will help to disrupt the life cycle of
50 31