Warning as deadly ash tree disease found in Moray

WOODLAND visitors and local gardeners are being urged to follow precautions following the discovery of a deadly ash disease at a Moray nursery.

Chalara fraxinea has been confirmed at seven sites in Scotland, including Christie’s Nurseries, Fochabers, prompting an urgent survey to be launched to ascertain the extent of the problem.

Completed ahead of schedule, the national probe found potential symptoms of ash dieback at 5% of sites visited.

The Forestry Commission Scotland is not closing forests, but is urging walkers not to remove any firewood, sticks, leaves or cuttings from woodlands.

A spokesperson said: "If anyone has recently bought ash plants or has an ash tree in their garden and is concerned about the health of the tree, they can visit our website (www.forestry.gov.uk) and look at the symptoms checker and the short film."

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