Ash Dieback Fungus Found in Native Woodland Trees

The video discusses the threat of ash dieback disease affecting thousands of ash trees in ancient woods. It highlights the urgency to identify affected trees before autumn. The disease, similar to the Dutch Elm disease of the 1970s, is spreading from nurseries to natural environments. The government plans to ban ash imports and restrict tree movement to curb the spread. The disease poses significant risks to biodiversity, landscapes, and the economy, as ash wood is valuable for various uses. Efforts are underway to save 80 million ash trees and investigate the disease's origins and spread.

What potential impacts could the ash dieback disease have on biodiversity and economics?

What challenges are faced in understanding how the ash dieback disease arrived?