Ash Is BACK! | British Grown Ash Trees Now Available The Ash Tree (Fraxinus excelsior), one of the most common and beloved trees in the UK, is back! Known for its graceful, spreading branches and distinctive grey bark, the Ash Tree is not just a beautiful addition to any landscape but also a vital habitat for a wide array of wildlife. A Landmark in UK’s Landscape The Ash Tree has always been an integral part of the UK’s natural scenery. Its pale brown bark, which turns grey with age, and its velvety black leaf buds make it easily recognizable, especially during the winter months. Unlike other trees, the Ash comes into leaf much later, typically in late April, followed by clusters of delicate purple flowers. In autumn, the famous winged seeds, known as ‘Ash Keys,’ appear in large clusters, often remaining into winter. These seeds, which spin as they fall, help spread the tree’s presence far and wide. Moreover, Ash trees offer essential food and nesting spots for various wildlife species, making them a cornerstone of local biodiversity. Value to Wildlife Ash trees provide the perfect habitat for many wildlife species. Their airy canopies and early leaf fall allow sunlight to penetrate, fostering the growth of woodland floor flowers like dog violet, wild garlic, and dog’s mercury. These, in turn, support insects such as the rare high brown fritillary butterfly. Birds, including bullfinches, woodpeckers, owls, redstarts, and nuthatches, find the Ash Tree an ideal nesting site. The longevity of Ash trees also supports deadwood specialists like the lesser stag beetle. Additionally, Ash trees often grow alongside a hazel understorey, creating optimal conditions for endangered dormice. The tree’s bark frequently hosts lichen and moss, while its leaves are a crucial food source for caterpillars of moth species like the privet hawk-moth and the coronet. Read more: Check out our blog post on how to attract wildlife to your garden with trees. Mythology & Symbolism The Ash Tree has been revered across many ancient cultures, from Greece to Northern Europe. Often seen as a symbol of rebirth and new life, especially in the context of healing, the Ash Tree plays a significant role in mythology. It is associated with the healing of children and is even linked to the magical realms, where it symbolises the connection between inner and outer worlds. Threats & Conservation Ash Dieback, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, poses a severe threat to the Ash Tree, causing leaves to fall, crowns to die back, and often resulting in the tree’s death. This disease has the potential to reshape the UK landscape dramatically. However, with new guidelines from DEFRA, we are excited to announce that British Grown Ash Trees are once again available. Let’s work together to reintroduce these magnificent trees back into our landscapes. Learn more about how we can help restore the Ash Tree to its rightful place in our environment. Explore more articles. BACK TO ARTICLES
