Scotland’s ash trees are disappearing
As you read these words, our woodlands are battling a silent killer. Ash dieback is an airborne disease which is attacking ash trees across the country.
Ash dieback could kill over 80% of our ash tree population
There is currently no cure for ash dieback, and the damage it causes is irreversible. Spread via windblown spores and through the movement of infected ash trees, the disease blocks water and nutrients from circulating within the tree. You can spot the crumpled leaves which remain hanging on the tree, dead twigs and branches, shrivelled shoots and small white fungal bodies on blackened stalks.
Once infected, the disease is usually fatal.
Almost 1,000 species rely on ash trees for food and shelter
It’s not just trees at risk. Woodpeckers, owls, nuthatches, robins and other birds nest in ash trees, whilst hibernating bats will roost in them. Young caterpillars of many moth species such as the coronet rely on ash leaves for food, whilst airy canopies and fallen leaves create perfect conditions for wild flowers such as wild garlic and dog’s mercury to thrive.
Our plan of action
Around 5% of ash trees may be resistant, which, if left to reproduce, could pave the way to a new generation of ash dieback resistant trees. Your support can help our team monitor for resistance and conduct regular tree safety inspections across our reserves. We will only conduct tree surgery on trees which pose a danger to the public, such as if infected, dead or weakened branches overhang footpaths or roads.
To do this, we need your help. Please donate today