Wednesday 31 October 2012
The importation of ash trees into Guernsey has been banned to protect the island from the Ash Dieback, caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea.
The Commerce & Employment Board met yesterday and agreed an immediate and indefinite ban on the importation of ash trees, including the importation of seed and logs.
The ban follows the recent discovery of infected ash trees in the UK where it is estimated that 80 million ash trees may be at risk. In Denmark where the disease has been present for several years it is believed that 90% of ash trees have been lost.
Mr Nigel Clark, Plant Health Inspector for Guernsey said:
"It is particularly important that recently imported ash trees are inspected. Finding infection before it becomes established will give us the best chance of protecting the island's ash trees from this potentially devastating disease."
Surveys of ash trees in Guernsey are being undertaken and islanders who have imported ash trees in the past three years are asked to contact the Plant Health Section at the Commerce & Employment Department so that their trees can be inspected. Anyone with ash trees on their land is also asked to check their trees for symptoms.
More information on Ash Dieback, including symptoms to look out for, can be found at the UK Forestry Commission website at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara
For further information please contact Nigel Clark, Plant Health Inspector, Tel 234567, fax 235015, e-mail agriculture@commerce.gov.gg
