16 Nov 2012

Guidance released to contain ash disease threatening UK's forests

Guidance released to contain ash disease threatening UK's forests news article image

The Forestry Commission has released new guidance in an attempt to contain the deadly ash dieback currently threatening Britain’s forests.

The first cases of the disease were found in February, when samplings imported from Europe were found to be contaminated with the fungus. This was followed by infection in established woods in the south-east, and it has now spread further across Britain.

Martin Key, policy officer at the Sport and Recreation Alliance said:

“The Sport and Recreation Alliance has been reassured that the outbreak of chalara ash dieback will not affect public access to forests and woodlands. The fungus is not dangerous to humans or animals and the chance of the visitors spreading the disease is very small.

“But the disease can still kill trees so we ask all of our members who carry out their sport or activity in woodlands affected by the disease to help prevent its spread, by following some simple precautions when in infected or suspected woodland.”

Precautions

  • Do not remove any plant material (firewood, sticks, leaves or cuttings) from the woodland.
  • Where possible, before leaving the woodland, clean soil, mud, leaves and other plant material from footwear, clothing, dogs, horses, the wheels and tyres of bicycles, baby buggies, carriages and other vehicles, and remove any leaves which are sticking to your car.
  • Before visiting other countryside sites, parks, garden centres and nurseries thoroughly wash footwear, wheels and tyres in soapy water.
  • Follow the instructions on any signs.

For more detailed guidance, visit the Forestry Commission’s website.

To find out more about chalara ash dieback in relation to outdoor pursuits, contact Martin Key.
 

Latest News

22 May 2025

Alliance Hosts APPG Roundtable: The Economic Value of Sport and Physical Activity

Yesterday, the Sport and Recreation Alliance hosted a session of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport and Physical Activity, which took the format of a roundtable discussion on the economic value of sport and physical activity.

Read more Arrow Right
16 May 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Celebrating the Power of Community Through Sport and Recreation

This week (12 -18 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, spotlighting the theme of 'Community'. This focus underscores the profound impact that belonging and collective engagement have on our mental wellbeing.

Read more Arrow Right
24 Apr 2025

Active Lives 2023-2024: Sport, recreation and physical activity sector challenges Government to match ambition and demand

The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has issued the following response to the Active Lives Adult Survey from Sport England.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logohelp me Angela logoHowden logoMarsh Sport logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo