The Robinia ‘Frisia’, a popular species of tree used widely on development sites because of its attractive yellow leaves has been struck with disease. The Robinia Pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’, a tree native of North America, introduced into Europe in 1601 by Jean Robin has long been used as an ornamental tree in gardens and public spaces. […]
Read MoreGovernment announces Sweet Chestnut import Ban

The environment Secretary, Owen Paterson has just last week (19 July 2013) announced a ban by the end of September on the import of Sweet Chestnut trees from areas that have been affected by an often fatal fungal blight. What is Sweet Chestnut blight and where did it come from? The Sweet Chestnut blight (cryphonectria […]
Read More Government ban, Sweet ChesnutElderflower Cordial

I love this time of year, especially seeing all the elderflower trees come in to bloom. And this year there seems to be Elderflower in abundance everywhere you look which means only one thing; time to make some elderflower cordial! This drink is so lovely and refreshing and dead easy to make. You can also […]
Read More Elderflower, Elderflower CordialSevere threat of Oak Processionary Moth

The Oak Processionary Moth, a potentially deadly creature from the continent, has been found hatching across London and into the outer suburbs, including Pangbourne in Berkshire and Kew Gardens in Richmond, posing a risk to both trees and humans. http://www.kew.org/science/news/oak-processionary-moth.html Where does the Oak Processionary Moth come from? The Oak Processionary Moth originates from Southern Europe […]
Read More‘Trying to give nature a helping hand’ – the fight against Ash dieback

Since the first case of Ash Dieback was confirmed in 2012 over 500 UK sites have been infected according to statistics from the Forestry Commission. However, recent developments in the fight against the disease comes in the form of a genetically resistant strain of the tree. A joint project is underway by the John Innes […]
Read More Ash dieback, genetic resistanceRelocating a veteran tree for Waitrose

Relocating a veteran tree As a consequence of the re-development of the Waitrose store in Dorking, Challice Consulting was commissioned to help with the relocation of an historic mulberry tree sited in the Waitrose car park next to the Dorking Youth Centre. On Thursday 30 May 2013, this 200 year old tree was carefully transported to […]
Read More Dorking, Mulberry, veteran tree, Waitrose