A TREE expert for Epping Forest has reacted with surprise to news that a deadly fungal infection is likely to have arrived in the district.

Young trees showing suspected signs of ash die back disease have been found on Grange Farm in Chigwell, which is not part of the forest, and samples have been sent to the Forestry Commission for testing.

Jeremy Dagley, the City of London Corporation’s conservation manager for Epping Forest, who is in charge of monitoring the situation there, said: “In a way, it’s unexpected.

“I had hoped it had not spread this far.”

He added that as the disease does not usually spread during the winter, it was not likely this case would transfer to the forest, but trees there were still at risk of being infected by the fungus’ spores next year.

He said: “It seems likely that spores are going to travel from a site further east.

“We won’t be doing any large-scale destruction, certainly not of mature trees.

“I hope the genetic variation is good in the forest and we may find resistant strains.”

Signs of ash dieback disease:

• Wilting and black or brown discolouration of leaves

• Small spots or legions on bark

• Trees with withered tops and shoots

• Anyone who spots symptoms should contact the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service on 0131 314 6414 or plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or the City of London Corporation on 020 7606 3030.