The last two weeks have seen the profile of Chalara fraxinea Ash Dieback, increase dramatically in the U.K., with each day bringing further news of the spread of the disease. The latest figures indicate a total number of 155 diseased sites of which 85 are in established woodlands.
 
The spread of the disease is of significant concern to the Isle of Man and the Department has taken further measures to ensure the Island remains disease-free.  In addition to the new emergency legislation banning importation of ash trees, seeds and ash products which retain bark, officers have also been checking sites which have been planted by the Department with ash since 2007.  Contact has also been made with nurseries, plant importers and local authorities advising of the new restrictions in place and urging them to be vigilant and report any suspect trees.
 
Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Phil Gawne MHK, said “to date we are not aware of any incidences of the disease on the Island but all land owners, members of the public and all those with an interest in the countryside, are asked to remain vigilant and to report suspicious trees to the Forestry Directorate of DEFA.
 
“Currently, weekly meetings are being held to monitor latest developments and Department staff are in close contact with U.K. colleagues in both the Food and Environment Research Agency which is the UK statutory body with responsibility for plant health, and the Forestry Commission.”
 
“It is hoped that a better understanding of the disease and its spread mechanisms will be built-up through surveys and research by the Forestry Commission during the winter months in time for the 2013 season.  It appears that the disease spreads later in the summer from July to October.  Although it is unlikely the disease will be eradicated in the UK, it is hoped its spread can be slowed and its effect minimised. This will hopefully allow time to find trees genetically resistant to the disease and enable restructuring of woodlands to make them more resilient. The Island’s officers will be monitoring research developments and the progress of the disease very closely in the coming weeks and months.”
 
The disease can be identified through lesions on the trunks of ash trees and unseasonal dieback of foliage.  Identification of the disease is therefore less easy through the winter.  Further advice on looking out for the disease will be issued in the Spring.   In the meantime, the public is asked to take basic common-sense precautions in the countryside including removing mud from footwear when leaving a woodland area, cleaning footwear prior to visiting a different woodland area, and not transferring leaves or other material from one woodland area to another.
 
The Forestry Amenity and Lands Directorate can be contacted at its St. John’s Offices on telephone (01624) 801263.