Ash Dieback - Past, present and Future?

Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) might kill 80% of Ash trees across the UK. This will change the landscape forever and threatens many species that depend on the Ash tree.
This ONLINE event explores what we know and don't know about Ash Dieback, how science is trying to lead a response to the disease and how our Ash trees can be looked after in the meantime.

Ash Dieback was formally identified in the UK in 2012, although likely to have been with us for longer. It is caused by a fungus historically found in Asia, and is thought to have been brought to Europe 30 years ago.

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) has no natural defence to the fungus. The impact appears to vary depending on factors such as location and age of the tree. We are still at the early stages of understanding the full impact of this disease on our Ash Trees and the resulting impact on our landscape and wider biodiversity.

This online event will explore what we know and don't know about the disease, through two presentations:

1. Matt Combes obtained his PhD with Forest Research and Cardiff University investigating the ecology and pathology of ash dieback disease, and is now a research fellow at the University of Warwick in plant disease epidemiology. Matt will be discussing our current understanding of ash dieback disease and considering future prospects in Britain.

2. Simon Jones, National Trust for Scotland's Gardens and Designed Landscapes Manager, will share lessons learned by NTS on the management of Ash across their estate and considerations from a landowner's point of view. Simon is a Chartered Horticulturist with over 25 years experience and currently manages 8 Gardens and Designed Landscapes for NTS.

The event will include time for questions from attendees.

This event forms part of the programme of winter talks being delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, using funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (SCIO 052525) is a new membership organisation supporting trees, woodlands and the people that depend upon them in the region. Partners include Dumfries & Galloway Council, Borders Forest Trust, Woodland Trust Scotland and Scottish Forestry. For more information, visit www.dgwoodlands.org.uk.

Top photo: Ash Dieback on a stand of Ash Trees in one of their most common locations - a roadside - photo courtesy Phil Dowling