Ash die-back

Our Disappearing Ash Trees

An incurable fungal disease, commonly called ash die-back, is killing many of our ash trees. Affected trees may fall or lose large branches within the space of a few years. Those close to roads, footpaths or bridleways are therefore a risk to the public.

On Stinchcombe Hill

The Stinchcombe Hill Trust manages much of the land on the Hill. At a recent meeting it discussed how to deal with ash die-back. Felling diseased trees where the Cotswold Way passes through the woods on the west side of the Hill is a high priority.

A group of ash trees on the English Heritage monument at Drakestone Point will also be removed. Contractors will do the felling, but local volunteers will help with scrub clearance and stump treatment. The volunteers meet on Wednesday mornings – contact Kath Hudson for more information.

In and around the Village

Ash die-back is not limited to closely packed woodland trees. It is spreading elsewhere too. Possibly you noticed some sickly trees on your walks or drives this summer. A key sign is much less dense foliage than normal.

The Parish Council has reported some diseased trees to landowners. We all need to keep our eyes open though. There is already some guidance on spotting ash die-back on the Parish website.

Some good news on funding

Ash trees are an important feature of the landscape in our part of Gloucestershire. The Council for the Protection of Rural England has a fund to help us reduce the impact of the disease. Funding has now been extended to the end of 2021. Parish Councils and community groups can apply for money to plant suitable replacement trees. A maximum of £500 is available for each project.

We need your help

Do you know a place in Stinchcombe parish made special by mature ashes? Let the Parish Council know so together we can decide on one or more applications for funding. It can be on public land or on private land visible to the public, as long as the landowner agrees.

An Interesting Fact

Stinchcombe’s only officially recorded ancient tree happens to be an ash. It is a pollarded specimen which is completely hollow. The tree is close to the public footpath network in the Clingre area. Its grid reference is 51°41’41.1″N 2°23’25.4″W.