Guidance released to contain ash disease threatening UK's forests

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.
 

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