The roots of The Conservation Foundation began with an elm project and we are still trying to help keep the elm heritage alive.

Because so many elms have been lost since the 1960s and 70s a lot of people understandably think it is a tree of the past.  But a good number of elms remain- possibly more than we think –  which stand as an encouragement to the many elm enthusiasts here and around the world who hope that one day the elm population can be increased.  Indeed today more than ever the elms showing a resistance to Dutch elm disease offer a hope for future tree stocks as other species are seeing an increase of attacks by their own specific diseases.

The Foundation has been involved in a number of tree projects and it has been interesting to see how each tree has its own group of enthusiasts.  One day we must do some research to try to discover what it is about a specific species that appeals to a particular sort of person.  If you have a theory, do let us know.

If I’m honest I still have difficulties identifying trees of all kinds and that’s why spring is great as out comes the elm blossom which makes identifying elms so much easier.  It is a blossom and so it’s not out for long, but it is out now.  So assuming you are allowed to take one walk a day keep an eye open for elms in your area. We have made a short video which shows you what the blossom looks like.  And if you are too late to find any on a tree look on the ground – it tends to hang around there for a bit longer.

 

 

 

It would be great to hear that you have just discovered an elm near you having spotted its blossom for the first time! So if you spot what you think is an elm please post a picture on either Instagram or Twitter and tag us at @conservationfdn and add the hashtag #elmspotting.

If you are interested in finding out more about elms please watch the short videos below that the Foundation has put together over the years.

 

 

 

David Shreeve, Director