Dutch Elm disease returns to finish the job

The disease shipped in on Canadian timber back in the seventies has returned and threatens the few remaining strongholds of the Elm.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/image...markseddon.jpg

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What a pity. They were not very genetically varied so were likely to be badly hit, but it's a pity if the few remaining ones go. Interestingly, I never knew that 'Seven Sisters' in London was due to a ring of seven Elm trees set around a Walnut Tree - no ELms anymore of course, but they did apparently set up a ring with a different type of tree a few years ago.

Yes a great shame, it's so long since I've seen Elm trees that I've pretty much forgotten what they look like. Might have to go down to Sussex to get a last look in case they can't counter the attack.

It's weird isn't it - they were all over the place, but so unfamiliar now :(