Town Council’s Work on Tackling Ash Dieback Disease

Ash dieback is a fungal disease originating from Asia that is killing our native European ash trees in large numbers and is the most significant tree disease to affect the UK since Dutch elm disease in the 1960s and 1970s.

The disease has been present in the U.K from imported tree stock since the early 2000s, as well as by wind-blown spores from the continent. Symptoms include blackening leaves during summer, often at the tips of branches, discolouration and lesions on bark and eventually death.

Jim Goldsmith, ranger for the Town Council’s Countryside and Greenspace Team, said: “Since 2020, we have surveyed our ash trees annually for signs of the disease and have recommended remedial works where necessary, including removal.

“As part of our Ash Dieback Policy, we replant up to three trees to replace any we remove. The trees have been chosen from a list identified by Forest Research to best replicate the ecosystem functions and species use of the lost ash and include oak, rowan, birch, aspen and field maple.

“We use large trees to allow the tree to establish much quicker than a “whip” would.

And the replanting process also includes 3-5 years of after-care of the tree to encourage success.”

Over the course of the winter, the Town Council’s Countryside staff have been busy planting replacement trees around the town, which are planted as near as possible to the tree that has been removed to promote continuation of habitat.

Matt Wilcoxon, the Town Council’s countryside and greenspace manager, added: “The benefits of Ash are numerous. They help to reduce pollution and flooding, regulate urban air temperature and also store carbon, as well as supporting many native species of wildlife.

“The loss of these trees will have a huge impact on the landscape of Shropshire and the habitats they support. Current evidence suggests at least 50% mortality of our park and street ash, with up to 85% rate of mortality expected in woodlands.”

Shrewsbury Town Council is working to ensure that ash dieback disease is managed within the tree stock in the town to ensure that the recovery of local woodlands are protected for the future.

ENDS/

Published: 1 March 2022