Since its discovery in the UK in late 2012, ash dieback has advanced through the English countryside at an alarming rate, as Will Page of Corylus Environmental and Planning explains
The spread and potential impact of ash dieback has been likened to the effects of Dutch elm disease which substantially changed the landscape of Southern England, killing over 25 million trees in the late 20th century. Over half of England is now known to be infected with ash dieback disease and it is believed that little can be done to prevent its inevitable spread across the entire country.
Our region is set to be amongst the hardest hit, as ash trees have long been a familiar landscape feature in our ancient woodlands and hedgerows. Woodland is estimated to cover over 10% of the Cotswolds A.O.N.B (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with ash being the predominant species that makes up a quarter of all specimens within the region. To see them wiped from the Cotswolds will have a significant effect on the character and natural beauty of the landscape that has become so special to so many of us.
WHAT IS ASH DIEBACK?
Ash dieback, also known as Chalara dieback, occurs due to the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which is spread in the wind by spores. It causes infected trees to suffer leaf loss, crown dieback and lesions on the bark, all of which will normally result in their demise. Younger trees are often the first to succumb whilst older specimens have shown some resilience that tends to prolong the infection for several years before death.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Cotswold Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Cotswold Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gloucestershire After The War
Discovering the county’s Arts and Crafts memorials of the First World War
THE WILD SIDE OF Moreton-in-Marsh
The days are getting shorter but there’s plenty of reasons to be cheerful, says Sue Bradley, who discovers how a Cotswolds town is becoming more wildlife-friendly and pots up some bulbs for an insect-friendly spring display
Mr Ashbee would approve
In the true spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement, creativity has kept the Chipping Campden community ticking over during lockdown
The Cotswolds at war
These might be peaceful hills and vales, but our contribution to the war effort was considerable
Trust in good, local food
‘I’ve been following The Country Food Trust’s activities with admiration since it was founded’
Why Cath is an open book
Cath Kidston has opened up almost every nook and cranny of her Cotswold idyll in a new book, A Place Called Home. Katie Jarvis spoke to Cath ahead of her appearance at this year’s Stroud Book Festival STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL – THIS YEAR FREE AND ONLINE: NOVEMBER 4-8
From the Cotswolds to the world
Most people know that the Cotswolds have featured in a fair few Hollywood movies and TV series.
The Wild Hunt
In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills
Fighting spirit amid the flowers
Tracy Spiers visits Warwick, a beautiful town that is open for business and ready to welcome visitors
Final journey
Cheltenham author and volunteer on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), Nicolas Wheatley, recounts the fascinating story of funeral trains
