Increase in ash tree disease cases

Nov 28 2012

The number of confirmed cases of the disease threatening to devastate the UK's ash trees has risen to 23 in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

Chalara ash dieback has been found at one nursery, 18 recently-planted sites and four sites in the wider environment. It is affecting a total of 241 sites across the UK.

Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse appeared before Holyrood's Environment Committee on Wednesday to update MSPs on the work being done to halt the spread of the fungal disease.

"We have been working very closely with the UK Government and other devolved administrations on this problem," he said.

"Although our native ash is not a major component of woods and forests in Scotland, it is an important feature of our landscape, has considerable biodiversity value and is also one of the most productive broadleaf species in terms of timber and firewood. Unfortunately, ash dieback is one of a number of tree problems we are facing at the moment."

Mr Wheelhouse outlined the rapid action survey of 2,730 ash sites across Scotland undertaken by Forestry Commission officials earlier this month, which was followed by a summit attended by key stakeholders.

The minister made a visit to one of the infected sites in the wider environment last week and has been attending emergency meetings with UK colleagues to develop a Cap Chalara Control plan, expected to be published "in the next week or so".

Forestry expert Dr Rick Worrell will also shortly report on the economic and ecological impact of the disease in Scotland, Mr Wheelhouse said.

MSPs were told that the Forestry Commission is developing advice on management of ash, techniques which could slowdown the spread of the disease and examining if there are isolated locations in Scotland to act as a refuge.

There is currently a ban on the import and movement of ash in the UK.