Peak District Fights Ash Dieback with New Tree Nursery

The Peak District National Park Authority is planning to establish a new tree nursery to mitigate the extensive loss of ash trees due to ash dieback. This fungal disease is expected to kill up to 90% of the park's ash population within the next 15 years. The nursery will focus on cultivating more resilient species such as oak, birch, and rowan. These saplings will initially be grown in poly tunnels before being transplanted. The Peak District National Park Foundation aims to raise £20,000 to fund this crucial project, which will be located near Ashford-in-the-Water. The site will benefit from irrigation by the River Wye and its proximity to the A6 for efficient transportation of young trees. This initiative represents a proactive approach to landscape restoration and biodiversity enhancement in the face of widespread disease impacting the iconic ash trees. The ongoing felling of at-risk ash trees is a difficult but necessary measure to ensure public safety on trails and roads. Woodland managers express excitement about the opportunity to create more diverse and improved landscapes through this replanting effort.