What is ash dieback?
Ash is one of the commonest tree species in Conwy, and supports a wide variety of native invertebrates, birds and other wildlife.
Ash dieback is a fungal disease which is spreading rapidly through the country and is likely to kill the vast majority of our ash trees. Infected trees become brittle as they decay and may fall without warning.
What are we doing about it?
We are not able to control the spread of the disease – spores are carried on the wind and spread far and wide – we can only manage the impacts of the disease.
We have developed an Ash Dieback Action Plan. This sets out what we have found from our initial surveys in 2020 and what actions we need to take to address the public safety and environmental risks that the disease presents. The Action Plan includes a recovery phase – we will develop this further to show how we intend to compensate for the anticipated loss of so many ash trees, mainly by replanting.
Our inspections will continue in 2021, covering the entire adopted road network in Conwy. We have also secured funding to start felling ash trees that have now become dangerous because of the disease. Some of the dangerous trees near roads are in private ownership and are the responsibility of the landowners. We may contact landowners as necessary to make sure the risk from these trees is addressed.
What can you do?
If you have ash trees on your land, you should be aware of the symptoms of the disease and consider the risks associated with potential tree failure. There is some useful guidance on the Tree Council website.
You may wish to consult a qualified, insured tree professional to get some specific advice. The Council does not have the resources to provide this advice. You should pay particular attention to diseased ash trees on your land where they may be a risk to the public.
You are responsible for the trees on your land, but where they are a potential risk to road users we may also contact you to remind you of your responsibilities and, where necessary, to require that you address the risk posed by your trees.
What will happen next?
We will keep this page updated as we make progress with our surveys and the work that comes from them.