Disease is a normal part of nature. But in recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of new pests and diseases affecting Scottish trees. It was the recent arrival of a fungus known as Chalara, or ash dieback, that caught the public attention. Over 10 million ash trees in Scotland, and the wildlife that depends on them, are vulnerable to this disease. Listen to our podcasts and watch the beautiful animation to find out how ash dieback will impact Scotland.

Animation

Follow Robert the redstart through the wind swept ash woods in this stunning short animation.

Podcasts

Ali Murfitt and lichenologist Sally Eaton inspect the lichen flora of ash trees

Ash and biodiversity – Hidden in the Ash leaves

Ali Murfitt interviews experts from around Scotland and discovers the intricate relationships many species have with ash, the impact of ash dieback and what you can do to help. Use the player below or click here to listen.

Ash and the dieback disease – Scotland’s forests and the future

Find out what ash dieback is, why the health of Scotlands forests are threatened and how we can change this trend. Use the player below or click here to listen.

The culture and history of ash – The World Tree

Visit one of Scotland’s oldest ash woods, delve into the myths and legends of the ash tree and hear how you can get involved to protect our woodlands for the future. User the player below or click here to listen.

Exhibit

Our exhibit will be travelling to 30 venues across Scotland. Click here for venues!

Blog

Read the ash dieback blog

Useful links

Fraxback – a European initiative to synthesise experience and understanding of ash dieback

Forestry Commission – detailed information about ash dieback