Many of the landscapes we visit and value as climbers and walkers are dominated by ash woodland, but a fungal disease – ash dieback – is expected to decimate the population of these trees across Britain. Not only might the landscape change dramatically, but also the rapid decay in affected trees can make them dangerous to anyone walking underneath, not to mention climbers who might have up until now relied on ash trees for runners or belays. This could be a new type of objective danger to many of us, but what do we need to know and how can you assess the risk? Read more »
A new report on combating tree and plant pests and diseases has been launched today, a week after another ash dieback case has been reported in the wild. Read more »
The government has produced a chalara or ash dieback management plan which sets out a number of actions to help reduce the spread of the disease. Read more »
The arrival of the fungus chalara fraxinea in Britain has cast a shadow over the future of one of Britain’s iconic tree species. Climbers and hill walkers can play their part in spotting the disease, but, as Ed Douglas reports, the government’s best scientific advice suggests access restrictions won’t help. Read more »
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