IN 2019, the threat of ash dieback became alarmingly evident within the picturesque borough of Telford & Wrekin. After years of closely monitoring the disease and its relentless progression, it was clear that a fresh approach was necessary to mitigate the health and safety risks posed by the loss of ash trees.
The Challenge: A Growing Crisis
Ash dieback, caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, had taken root across the landscape. The extent and severity of the disease demanded urgent action. With approximately 35% of the borough’s tree stock comprising ash trees, the uncontrolled decline of these majestic specimens threatened not only the local ecosystem but also land stability and flood risk.
A New Strategy Emerges
In response, a comprehensive dieback management plan was crafted—a blueprint for safeguarding both the environment and the community. This plan, subsequently adopted by the council, outlines a decade-long commitment to addressing ash dieback effectively.
Related project Telford Council Tree Management