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Living Ash Project (LAP)

The Living Ash Project is a long-running, Defra-funded initiative launched in 2013 to combat the devastating effects of Chalara ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) on Britain’s ash tree population. It is a collaborative effort involving Future Trees Trust, Forest Research, Earth Trust, Sylva Foundation, Fera Science, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The project’s mission is to identify ash trees with natural tolerance to the disease, secure this valuable genetic material for breeding and conservation, and ensure its availability for future timber production and woodland restoration.

Read further updates and developments for the Living Ash Project:

Planting At Scottish Archive (2)14 May

Second Ash Archive Established in Scotland to Combat Ash Dieback and Preserve Species

In Ash, Living Ash Project
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Img 20250318 09411811 Jun

The Living Ash Project: A Decade of Progress in Ash Dieback Tolerance 

In Ash

By Dr Jo Clark, Head of Research, Future Trees Trust 

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Over the past ten years, LAP has:

  • Screened over 155,000 trees in mass trials and 22,000 in progeny trials

  • Assessed 40,000 trees planted before the disease arrived, offering a unique baseline

  • Selected and grafted nearly 2,000 tolerant trees, forming the National Archive of Tolerant Ash in Hampshire and a new archive in Clackmannanshire, Scotland

  • Developed phenotypic and genomic selection methods, with ongoing research into chemical markers of tolerance

  • Discovered trees with healed lesions, showing remarkable recovery and growth, offering hope for future breeding

Collecting Ash

The project has pioneered controlled inoculation techniques to test tolerance, grafting and clonal propagation of selected trees, liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy to identify tolerance-related compounds (led by Fera Science), and genomic prediction research (led by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) to identify DNA markers linked to resistance. Despite challenges in rooting ash cuttings, the team continues to refine propagation techniques to ensure long-term viability of tolerant genotypes.

Partners and Their Roles:

Future Trees Trust – Leads breeding efforts and manages archives. Forest Research – Conducts trials, inoculation testing, and long-term monitoring. Earth Trust – Provides diverse ash populations and supports fieldwork. Sylva Foundation – Contributes to breeding and conservation strategy. Fera Science – Leads chemical analysis of tolerance traits. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Advances genomic research and propagation methods. Defra – Provides funding and strategic oversight.

 

Lap

The Living Ash Project continues to work toward a future where ash remains a thriving, productive species in British woodlands. With a strong foundation of research, breeding, and collaboration, LAP is shaping the next generation of resilient ash trees—ensuring both ecological integrity and timber value for decades to come.

For more information and updates, visit the Living Ash Project website.