Restrictions on the importation of ash trees into Great Britain to combat chalara dieback of ash are being imposed with immediate effect, Owen Paterson, Environment Secretary in the UK Government, announced today.
The disease, caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea (C. Fraxinea), leads to leaf loss and tree death. It has already affected trees in England and Scotland, and killed trees in parts of mainland Europe. A consultation which ended last Friday showed strong support for import restrictions and action to prevent the disease spreading.
Movement restrictions within Great Britain will also be imposed, so that ash trees, plants and seeds may not be moved to other places in Great Britain.
The restrictions are being put in place before the main tree planting season gets under way in late November.
