The Ash Tree, the Tree of Life

It is no coincidence that it is in 2012, the year of transition for the world, that the full impact of the predatory Charala fungus on Europe’s ash trees is becoming known and feared. In the UK the ash, sacred to druids and the spiritually inclined for millennia but otherwise largely taken for granted, it is remarkable that the possible loss of this native tree has shocked even the most hardened city cynic, and it is one of a number of signs that, at last, the importance of nature to our wellbeing is beginning to be understood nation-wide. [caption id="attachment_1329" align="alignright" width="300"] The sacred ash[/caption] When first I heard of the disease I was much saddened, but now, even though Danish experts are warning that they and we may lose 98% of our ash population, I feel some optimism about the situation. Because of the severity of the problem, scientists in a number of countries are working together and separately to identify the cause of the fungus and its cure, identifying why some trees are resistant to it and building on that resistance to establish a new healthy population of ash trees for the future. There will be a time when we see great loss, but the sense of need, urgency and investment in replenishing our woods and forests will result a new viable generation of these lovely trees. Furthermore, because of the unusual determination of government and people to protect the ash tree, and the love for these trees which is tangible, I believe that the impact in the UK will be less than is feared – still terrible but not a total loss. Lessons have been learned. The tree of life will survive and become stronger, and the world will survive, but not, indeed, as we know it.]]>