The following is taken from the Quantock Hills AONB website:
The Forestry Commission has just issued an alert to a new threat to tree health which has appeared in Great Britain.
This new threat is the highly destructive Chalara die-back of ash trees, caused by the Chalara fraxinea fungus. It has caused widespread damage to ash tree populations in Europe, especially common ash, and is particularly destructive of young ash trees, killing them within one growing season of symptoms becoming visible. At present the fungus has only been found in nursery stock or recent plantings but there is concern that it may find its way in the natural or wider environment.
Ash trees make up an important component of many of the woodlands fringing the Quantock Hills AONB, especially the central and southern areas. We ask you to remain vigilant and if you have any concerns to visit the Forestry Commission dedicated webpage at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara which has up to date information and advice.