Latest survey reveals urgent tree disease threat to woodlands - Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants
The largest survey of woodland nature reserves ever carried out by the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants has revealed the devastating impact of tree disease.
The survey has looked at nearly 6,000 trees and found that 29% are suffering with tree diseases – this rises to 82% in ash trees as the ash dieback fungal infection continues to hit woodlands.
The charity has launched a fundraising drive to help manage affected woodlands. It is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge from December 2-9 to raise £15,000. All public donations will be doubled during the week by philanthropic supporters
Conservation scientists say the steady rise in tree disease is a clear impact of climate change and invasive species. New pests and diseases introduced to the UK and recent mild wet winters have resulted in the spread which is putting already vulnerable woodlands under further threat.
The Wildlife Trust BCN’s Woodland Condition Monitoring Survey began in 2021 and as of this year has covered 21 different sites. The team identify all the trees within a sample area and record everything about the health of the woodland from the girth and health of the trees to the wildflowers on the woodland floor around them.
The most common species recorded is ash – which is also the most diseased - with the next most common species recorded as oak, elm, hazel and hawthorn. In total 32 species have been recorded. The rarest is the wild service tree, a species often associated with ancient woodlands, a designation given to woodlands which have been continuously wooded since 1600.
Posted On: 04/12/2025
More on: