Ban on imports of ash trees

Government says it has made quick decisions to defend the Island from a fungal disease responsible for damaging a large number of ash trees.

The disease, known as 'Chalara Fraxinea', spread across continental Europe and was found in the UK earlier this year.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne has put an immediate ban on imports of any ash products to the Isle of Man.

Around a quarter of hedgerow trees in the Island are ash and such a pandemic could be devastating.

Forester John Walmsley told us more:

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