Most of you will have heard of the arrival Ash Die Back disease in the UK.

It's caused by a fungus called Chalara (Chalara fraxinea if you want to be precise) and can be fatal to Ash trees. The Ash is the 3rd most common UK deciduous tree,and is the major tree in about 5% of our woodlands, so it could be pretty serious.

The good news is, from a walker's perspective, that it is not thought to be spread by humans- but rather by rainsplash, insects and/or the movement of logs- and at present the Forestry Commission is advising owners of woodland NOT to close them to the general public because of this disease.

That being said all of us should follow advice given on any signs (like perhaps disinfecting boots before entering a wood), and can also be "spotters" to help the authorities monitor the disease. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara