David Lock

Why can't we grow our own Ash trees instead of importing them?

David

Leslie

I thought we already had stacks of them growing naturally anyway.

They were too slow off the mark to ban imports too after that disease surfaced.

Les

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

90% of belgum trees have died due to infection. Sweden has had the infection for over 30yrs but never mentioned it.

It's probably cheaper to import then to grow. Besides growing takes time.

53

iTrader: (41)

But they grow like ******* weeds in this country anyway !

markjmd

iTrader: (11)

It might seem that way, but in actual fact noone ever imports them until late October anyway, so they banned them in plenty of time.

mgcvk

It will be quite devastating if the fungus takes hold. So many species of birds, bugs and butterflies rely on Ash which is currently very widespread.

Leslie

Thats good to know, but they were talking about imports having been happening on the News.

Les

jef

iTrader: (13)

i remeber watching a programme about importing trees/wood. and the huge corruption and illegal selling of timber - and how buying them on the black market is extremley common and big money buisness.
not sure if that applied to buyers in the u.k.

but was linked to illegal deforestation - how regulations are policed, and the demand for timber.

David Lock

That rings a bell jef. Wasn't it Mauritius?

This is interesting if you have the time

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal..._in_Madagascar

David

jef

iTrader: (13)

i honestly cant remember exactly where it was mate, although, far east rings a bell.

the programme showed (along the lines of) the governments attempt at controlling was employing 3 people to try and police something ridiculous like 1000 acres each - with no support ect. to try make sure international agreements on logging/exports was being adhered to.

made good/shocking watching.

Leslie

Apparently quite a few infected saplings were imported earlier this year.

Les

David Lock

Perhaps it's spread by Badgers?

dl