Ash dieback regulations, information and advice for Scotland

Chalara dieback of ash is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.

The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback  and is usually fatal in younger trees whereas mortality in older trees is more often associated with the combined impact of root pathogens such as the honey fungus (Armillaria mellea). It's caused widespread damage to ash populations across Europe, and was first discovered in the UK in a Buckinghamshire nursery in February 2012.

Ash dieback is present across Scotland. Management efforts are now focused on mitigating safety risks from diseased trees, while allowing for natural regeneration of potentially disease-tolerant or resistant trees wherever possible. 

Related links and documents

• Guidance on the management of individual ash trees affected by ash dieback in Scotland
• Guidance on the management of woodlands affected by ash dieback in Scotland
• Assessment of potential impact of ash dieback in Scotland (legacy document)
• Chalara Action Plan for Scotland 2018 (currently under active review)
• Ash Dieback Risk Group Scotland
• Ash Dieback: An Action Plan Toolkit for Scotland
• Felling permission for ash dieback