Ash trees under threat if harmful borer beetle finds way to Britain

Asian emerald ash borer, given the maximum risk rating to the tree species, is 'moving uncontrolled' through Russia having established itself in US and Canada

A tiny beetle could wipe out Britain's ash trees much faster than the established ash dieback disease which is expected to eventually kill millions of the trees, according to the government's leading authority on pests and pathogens threatening UK forests.

"The emerald ash borer is moving uncontrolled through Russia. It flies long distances, moves quickly and can reproduce in the UK," said Nicola Spence, chief plant health scientist. The beetle has not has yet arrived in the UK, but she warned: "There is a high risk of it being introduced and establishing itself."