Ash dieback - Chalara fraxinea

You will no doubt be aware of the furore over Chalara ash dieback.  Naturally, it has caused alarm and confusion.  Some retailers and customers have already contacted us about the possible impact for firewood. We do buy ash, albeit only a very small proportion of total volume. The main species are oak and beech although a number of other minor hardwood species are used.

Whilst the forestry commission and other organisations are assessing the extent of the problem, there is presently no issue with regards to firewood. It is however interesting to note that in the forestry commission advice notes ‘woodchips and firewood pose a very low risk of disease transmission especially when they are kiln dried’

For further information please read the following:

Chalara dieback of ash is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea (C. fraxinea). The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback in affected trees, and it can lead to tree death. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-specific-tree-pest-or-disease is the best source of information, with pictures of symptomatic ash trees, useful question and answer pages, guidance on the law etc.

The Forestry Commission has released a useful video which provides advice on how to identify Chalara fraxinea symptoms in the field -