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TV5898
Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is an airborne fungus with its origins in eastern Asia. It evolved with native species of ash like Chinese ash and Manchurian ash which appear to have been able to resist infection. European varieties of ash, however, have been shown to have little or no natural resistance and the fungus is now widespread in Europe.
Ash has a graceful appearance and its airy foliage allows light to penetrate to the ground and encourage greater biodiversity. Ash is a very useful and versatile native tree species. It is a strong, flexible and durable hardwood which has a variety of uses including, flooring, furniture making and sports goods like rowing oars.
The Eastbourne area is home to many ash trees but they are being attacked by ash dieback. In the area between Butts Brow and Meads, a five year plan is being implemented to deal with the situation. As there is no known cure, infected trees are being felled, stacked into log piles and then later removed by lorries. This work is mostly done in the winter months to avoid disturbance to people and wildlife. The work involves Eastbourne Borough Council and the Forestry Commission’s South East Team.
Ash dieback raises many questions including: how the ecosystem, in which ash trees play a key role, will be affected by the removal of large numbers of trees; how the virtual monoculture of ash trees should be best replaced and whether a biomass facility is the best way to dispose of the large numbers of dead trees.
Adrian Diack M.A. (Hons)
TV5898 : Notice board giving information about ash diebackTV5898 : Dying trees affected by ash dieback diseaseTV5898 : Impact of ash dieback in part of Paradise WoodTV5898 : Stack of ash dieback affected timber on the crest of the South DownsTV5898 : Ash dieback stack of timber on the crest of the South Downs