Gardener’s Cuttings Is it game over for the English oak?
A growing number of cases of a new disease affecting native oaks in Britain and lack of Government research funds to fight it are creating concern amongst tree and forestry organisations.
The Royal Forestry Society’s conference at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire heard from pathologists and senior plant health officials on the UK’s best loved species.
There are now 55 cases of the disease confirmed with a steadily growing number of suspect sites still to be confirmed.
John Jackson of the RFS said: “Urgent action is not an option – it’s a necessity.”
The disease affects both pedunculate and sessile oaks, the two species of native oaks. Caused by a bacterial infection, the tree shows signs of bleeding on its stems and areas of dead bark appear, followed by rapid die back and death, often within a three to five year period.
Hilary Allison, policy director at the Woodland Trust, said: “The impact of the loss of an iconic tree both from our countryside and from towns would be catastrophic and therefore has the capacity to be a major threat to the UK’s oak woods, both ancient and secondary.”
Peter Goodwin of Woodland Heritage said: “We’re looking at a disease that has the potential to change our landscape even more than Dutch Elm Disease and nothing is being done about it. We can’t afford a repetition of what happened then. Action is needed now.”
The traditional English oak at risk
Excellent research into acute oak decline is taking place despite a severe shortage of cash within Forest Research, but the results of an application to Defra for funds to support a more co-ordinated approach on tree diseases will not be known until 2011.
NT launches new range of tools If you are a member or a supporter of the National Trust then keep your eyes open for a new range of garden tools launched at Chelsea Flower Show this year. They are all launched under the National Trust label and produced by Bulldog who have a reputation for quality garden tools going back 230 years.
The digging tools which include border spade and fork and shrubby spade and fork are made of stainless steel with a stylish dark ash handle. The new range also includes secateurs and shears.
Family buildings business expands
Broomhill Garden Buildings have expanded their business to include Broomhill Windows.
The company opened its first show site in 1993 at Stewarts Garden Centre, near Wimborne. They expanded soon afterwards to Stewarts GardenLands at Christchurch and the family run business has built a reputation for providing a complete sales and installation service for quality garden buildings and conservatories. Martin Penny, director of the company, was aware that for many years, when quoting or installing a conservatory, customers would often enquire if their company was able to provide additional doors or windows. They are now able to offer this service.
The new window and door showroom is open every day at their Christchurch showsite, where they display conservatories, greenhouses, garages, garden buildings and offices.
Telephone Martin or Stuart 01425 274000
www.broomhillwindows.com
Country Gardener 9
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