In early Autumn many youngsters are eagerly awaiting the first fall of 'conkers' from our horse chestnut trees, and those who can't wait are often seen throwing lumps of wood, bricks and other 'missiles' up into the branches to encourage the 'conkers' to fall just a bit earlier than nature intended.

Those eager youngsters are probably unaware of just how many generations have previously done the same thing but they will no doubt, like you, have noticed that this year many of our much loved 'conker' trees are looking decidedly unwell with brown, dry, shrivelled up leaves.

There are two main causes.

The first is an insect pest. A leaf mining moth (cameria ohridella) which arrived in the UK during 2002 from Europe and although the insects reduce the ability of the leaves to provide nourishment, it is not thought to cause the death of the tree.

The second cause is, 'Guignardia Leaf Blotch',  a fungal infection which again reduces the ability of the leaf to provide nourishment, but this fungus is not thought to be lethal.

It would be nice to think that as these conditions are not lethal, everything will be OK, but, I'm sorry to say that many 'conker' trees are being felled and hundreds of others are at great risk from an ailment for which there is no chemical cure; 'Bleeding Canker' .

It sounds horrible and it is serious but please note that some trees miracuously recover, for reasons which are still unclear.

'Bleeding Canker' causes 'sores' to appear on the trunk and branches and is most common in the south east of the UK. The Forestry Commission are well aware of the problem and can give advice if required.

None of us like to think of our natural surroundings being subjected to these unpleasant conditions but they are in some respects inevitable.

Best Wishes,

David.