This elm tree was the first disease resistant elm (Ulmus "New Horizon) to be planted on the Island. It was planted by Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for DEFA, accompanied by David Cretney MLC (Member of DEFA with responsibility for forestry) on 27th February 2017.
The tree planting was the launch of the Manx Government's campaign to stop the spread of Dutch elm disease on the Island which is reported in this news article.
The planting was marked by a plaque staked in front of the tree that has the following inscription:
Ulmus "New Horizon"
Planted by Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for DEFA
27th February 2017'Mr Cretney commenting on the planting said:
‘By planting disease-resistant trees in prominent locations, we hope to remind people of the unique status of the elm on our Island and encourage people to get involved in helping us fight Dutch elm disease.’ (
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The full article as it appears on the IOMToday website is shown below:
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Help us to fight Dutch elm diseaseTuesday, 28 February 2017 - Other NewsThe Manx government is asking the public to help it stop the spread of Dutch elm disease.
In a poster and leaflet campaign, the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture is calling on those out and about to take photos and note locations of trees they fear have the disease.
Diseased trees have: Wilting leaves and young shoots; Premature yellowing or discolouration of leaves; Retention of dead leaves or bare twigs and branches.
Symptoms develop rapidly, leading to the death of trees.
The UK lost 90 per cent of its elms to Dutch elm disease between 1968 and 1980.
The Isle of Man remained disease-free until 1992 but local vigilance and control measures mean that only 1 per cent of the island’s elms have succumbed to the disease since it arrived.
David Cretney MLC, the politician responsible for forestry, said: ’The Isle of Man has arguably the most important native elm population in the British Isles and possibly Europe.
’Elms make up around a quarter of the Island’s tree population. As with the UK, the loss of a large number of trees would alter the countryside forever and create significant risk and cost to landowners.
’While the DEFA can be proud that it has kept the disease under control, it requires constant vigilance. Every year we need to find as many diseased trees as possible.
’We hope the public will report anything suspicious while using our beautiful countryside and ensure we can take swift action to avoid the disease spreading.
’As so many people have mobile devices with them, the message is simple: See it, snap it, send it together with a six-figure grid reference and location and we’ll investigate.’
The disease has meant few elms have been planted in the island in recent years.
With Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK, Mr Cretney planted the first of a new disease-resistant breed of elm, Ulmus ’New Horizon’, at DEFA headquarters at St John’s.
In conjunction with nine local authorities, 11 more trees will be planted in prominent locations around the island.
’Elms contribute to the character of the Manx landscape and its biodiversity value, supporting various species of lichen, fungi and insects,’ Mr Cretney said.
’By planting disease-resistant trees in prominent locations, we hope to remind people of the unique status of the elm on our Island and encourage people to get involved in helping us fight Dutch elm disease.’
Photos can be emailed to DutchElmDisease.DEFA@gov.im, sent by text or WhatsApp to 490713 or shared via the Facebook page DEFA - Hills Forests and Glens. (
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