A project is giving new life to areas in Denbighshire affected by a destructive tree disease.
Denbighshire County Council’s tree team, who help to manage the council’s tree assets, are leading the response to ash dieback - a highly destructive disease caused by the airborne fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
The disease typically causes infected trees to die back, requiring them to be cut down where there are health and safety concerns.
The council's tree team are actively surveying affected trees and commissioning necessary works.
Because the native tree is common across Denbighshire, its gradual loss is having a significant impact on the landscape and biodiversity.
The council has undertaken the 'After Ash' project to replant areas hit by this disease.
The project provides replacement trees for prominent ash trees that were felled within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape.
The Sustainable Development Fund has enabled the team to supply large, standard-sized trees that will have an immediate visible impact.
In the coming months, the team will distribute their latest delivery of different native tree species to various parties, including Llanarmon Yn Ial Community Council.
Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "Our tree team has focused on areas across the county where diseased ash trees could potentially pose a risk to people and other ash trees in the vicinity.
"After felling, the ash wood can be used for nature habitats where the trees grew or reclaimed for other uses.
"The After Ash project allows us to tackle the loss of real prominent landmark trees across Denbighshire that have been lost to this disease and provide replacements that will grow in these locations to become future landmarks for generations to enjoy."
Unfortunately, there is no known cure or method for preventing the transmission of ash dieback, therefore alternative approaches are needed to manage its impact.
The tree team is committed to finding these alternatives and ensuring the county's landscape is not permanently scarred by the disease.
For more information about ash dieback and the council's efforts to combat it, visit Denbighshire County Council’s website.
Share