Keep an eye out for Ash tree infections

[rolf]

For the signs to look out for on your travels.

BBC News - Ash dieback: Spotter's guide and maps

[Catherine]

It's very sad.

I'm not sure if the Rowan (known as Mountain Ash down here) is also endangered.

Do you know?

[rolf]

Don't think the Rowan is affected by the outbreak Catherine. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)

[Catherine]

Thanks, Rolf! I am so relieved!

Not only do we have a little Rowan here which we brought down from Scotland ('to keep evil spirits away'*!), but a great deal of Rowans mix with Scots Pines and Birches on the Highland landscape, being a major source of food for northern birds of the thrush family. Their extinction would also have meant a major and rather sad change to the Scottish scene.

I know that Rowans are from the genus Sorbus, and see now that ordinary Ash trees are Fraxinus types. Quite a relief!

(I also see that it is mentioned on other pages linked to your link that it is only on the Isle of Man where such beliefs are still practised, but I can honestly tell you that you'll find few Scottish gardens which do not have a Rowan in them - no matter what the reasons for that are given!)