Ash Dieback Disease
Ash Dieback Disease
Contents (click on titles below for more information)
Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea. The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees and can lead to the death of the tree.
The disease is increasingly being found in countries across continental Europe, but until recently had not been detected in the UK or Ireland.
Further information on the disease and symptoms can be found on
A copy of the Forest Research Rapid Assessment on the disease is available at
Current Situation in Northern Ireland
Sixty-five premises have been confirmed positive for the fungus Chalara fraxinea. Sixty-two of these are recently planted sites in all six counties, with an additional three findings in nursery/retail/trade situations.”
Please note that Forestry Commission update the above map on a weekly basis, so it may not reflect current situation.
The plants are all linked to imports. Ongoing action is being taken to destroy the saplings and debris. Survey work is continuing.
Legislation
Legislation is now in force to prevent the introduction and spread of Ash Dieback here through plants, seeds and wood.
Ash Plants and Seeds for Planting
Ash Wood and Bark
Biosecurity
There are things you can do to prevent pests and diseases spreading from site to site. For advice on working in forests/woods, see attached
Questions and Answers
Answers to some frequently asked questions on the disease and the current legislation are available at
Stakeholder Meetings
DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill met with industry stakeholders on 31 October 2012 to update them on the disease and seek their views on possible further measures required to help prevent the introduction of Ash Dieback. Presentations from the event are available at
The Minister also held a further meeting with a range of stakeholders on 11 December 2012 to update them on the handling of Ash Dieback disease.
On January 24 2013, a stakeholder event aimed specifically at Councils, Arborists and Woodland Agents took place at Greenmount College. Presentations for the event are available at
A further stakeholder event was held on the 25th April 2013, presentations for this event are available below
Reporting Suspect Symptoms
We would also urge professionals engaged in the plant trade, and those involved in tree planting and management to be vigilant for any signs of the disease, particularly in young trees.
The guide to identifying symptoms is available at
and a video showing symptoms is available at
Signs of the disease include:
- diseased saplings typically display dead tops and/ or side shoots
- at the base of dead side shoots, lesions can often be found on the subtending branch or stem
- lesions which girdle the branch or stem can cause wilting of the foliage above
- mature trees affected by the disease initially display dieback of the shoots and twigs at the periphery of their crowns. Dense clumps of foliage may be seen further back on branches where recovery shoots are produced
Draft All-Ireland Chalara Control Strategy
The Department is seeking views from stakeholders on the Draft All-Ireland Chalara Control Strategy, with comments to be sent by
Tuesday 30 April 2013 to:
Rebecca.Hunter@dardni.gov.uk or to:
Farm Policy Branch
Room 910
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
BELFAST
BT4 3SB
