What is Ash Dieback?
Ash Dieback (ADB) is considered the most significant disease to affect the United Kingdom's tree population since Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960s and 1970s. It is expected to cause the decline and death of over 90% of ash trees in England. Sadly, the disease has advanced considerably due to the extreme climatic conditions we have experienced in the last few years.
Ash trees are the third most common native tree in the UK, found in woodlands and other landscape settings. ADB is caused by a non-native fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus that weakens a tree's structure. Infected trees often see their leaves and branches dying higher up the tree, with the tree becoming weak and unpredictable, often becoming dangerous long before they die.
Notice of Ash dieback works on Surrey's Countryside Estate
Following a successful 2024 Ash dieback programme, further surveys are being undertaken across Surrey’s countryside estate and Ash dieback works will begin in autumn 2025, following the conclusion of bird nesting season.
Updates will continue to be posted on our Ash dieback webpage and via our Explore Surrey social media channels and our 'Countryside Matters' e-newsletter.
Sign up to our countryside matters newsletter
More from countryside news
- Be wildfire aware this summer
- Rail to Trail in Surrey’s Countryside
- Supporting conservation at Wisley Common
- Transformation of Basingstoke Canal towpath celebrated
- New walking trail named
- Grafton Stables Opens to the Public
- Planting our way to a greener future
- Exploring your way through summer
- Another successful tree planting season
- 10 reasons you should visit Surrey's countryside this spring
- Countryside Apprenticeships
- Dog walking etiquette in Surrey’s countryside
- Filming in Surrey's Countryside
- Donate to plant a tree in Surrey this Christmas
- The story of Surrey’s ancient trees
- Iconic Box Hill steps refurbished to encourage sustainable access
- Discover more about the Norbury Park Volunteers
- Enjoy the countryside safely this Summer
- New ‘super’ National Nature Reserve in Surrey
- Tree planting season success
- New Surrey Connect shuttle bus service
- Do You See Me? A Trail of Possibility in the Surrey Countryside
- 40 years of countryside management
- A day in the life of a Countryside Ranger Apprentice
- A day in the life of a Tree Planting Project Support Officer
- A day in the life of A Countryside Estate Officer
- Cattle arrive at Tice's Meadow