National scientific advice is that it won’t be possible to eradicate this disease now that we have discovered it in mature trees in Great Britain. However, that does not necessarily mean the end of the British ash. If we can slow its spread and minimise its impact, we will gain time to find those trees with genetic resistance to the disease and to restructure our woodlands to make them more resilient.

Details of the national plan of action are available here.

Oxford City Council is following the Defra advice and closely monitoring the spread of this disease. It is continuing to monitor the City’s stock, which consists of approximately 10% ash, and discussions have already taken place with green space partners in the city.