Sue Holden Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust said: "We are clearly pleased to see Owen Paterson finally taking action to introduce a ban on the import and movement of ash trees in to the UK. We also ask Government scientists to give urgent and clear advice to all woodland owners on how to manage the disease. The Trust will do all it can to mitigate spread in line with this Government instruction and advice.

"We must stress however, that ash dieback is only one of numerous tree pests and diseases present in the UK. With more than 15 separate pests and diseases listed on the Forestry Commission website as already present, it is crucial that the wider issue is tackled. The Government must set up an emergency summit bringing together representatives from all areas of forestry, plant health and conservation because today it's ash but tomorrow yet another of our precious native trees could be at risk.

"This situation is symptomatic of the lack of priority given to the protection and safeguarding of our natural woodland resources. We need to make woodland and the environment a priority and create a political and economic environment that will enable the sustainability of vibrant woodland habitats across the UK.”