Action needed to mitigate loss of elm and ash stocks says arborist

Concerns that more intensive tree planting is needed

The Isle of Man's natural environment is likely to suffer considerable damage from the inevitable loss of around 90 percent of diseased trees.

That's the warning from a tree expert who is advocating an intensive planting programme at sites around the Island.

Consultant arborist Ben Brooker says he believes more needs to be done to mitigate the disappearance of ash and elm trees.

He's concerned that the need for additional planting, identified in government's climate change plan, isn't materialising.

Mr Brooker told Manx Radio the spread of Dutch Elm Disease and Ash Dieback is threatening to alter our landscape: