Ash trees are the backbone of our ecosystems, supporting more than 40 species of insects, lichens, and fungi that keep our woodlands teeming with life. Their decline ripples through the food chain, threatening birds and other wildlife — but there might be hope of a recovery

Imports of hawthorn are putting native hawthorn trees and hedges — as well as cotoneaster, apple, pear, and rowan — at risk and must be halted immediately say environmental groups. 

With Teagasc estimating that up to 90% of ash trees will succumb to ash dieback, there is a sense of urgency around a review of the Ash Dieback Scheme, but also a sense of hope at signs of ash trees showing natural tolerance to the disease

A further 79 outbreaks of the ash dieback disease were confirmed across the country in the year up to early November.