The news came through this week of the first cases of a disease called Ash die back being found in our native woodland. Although only found in young trees in a small area of East Anglia, this fungal infection is airborne and can potentially travel up to 20km. Discovered on the continent over twenty years ago the disease has claimed 90% of the Ash population in Denmark. Ash trees account for more than 30% of British woodlands, so the effect on our landscape would be devastating. As a young boy I remember seeing countless trees being felled where I grew up, when I asked why I was told it was to stop Duch Elm disease. Well it did stop it, but only after we had felled most of the Elm's in the country. As with all diseases of this nature once they are establish it is near impossible to halt the destruction. The shocking part of this sad story is that none of this needed to happen, yet again it's a case of our insane import/ export culture. This disease was introduced to this country from imported Ash saplings, even though up until now they grew in abundance here. And now the thing that is stopping our government from an all out import ban is the worry of a slap on the wrists from Brussels.
Apart from its beauty and iconic status in our country side the Ash tree offers a strong, versatile timber with a striking grain pattern that will be much missed by both domestic and green woodworkers alike. Let us all hope it's not too late to act this time.