Management Options for Ash Dieback
There has been a call for practical advice about how to deal with Ash Dieback infections and the Forestry Commission has responded by producing the following website that provides brief information regarding the management of ash trees: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-92PJKX#2Managementoptions
Since the initial Chalara fraxinea outbreak was confirmed in the UK numerous agencies have been researching the disease and whether any control methods could be successful in halting its spread. It appears from a management plan produced by DEFRA that eradicating the disease is not possible and that efforts need to be concentrated on the plans four key objectives:
1) Reducing the rate of spread of the disease
2) Developing resistance to the disease in the native ash tree population
3) Encouraging landowner, citizen and industry engagement in surveillance, monitoring and action in tackling the problem
4) Building economic and environmental resilience in woodlands and in associated industries
The management plan is available for download: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181840/pb13936-chalara-management-plan-201303.pdf.pdf