Home

Irish Independent • Press • Feb 16, 2026

Interesting article in today’s independent on the survival of four trees in city square could hold key to reviving native elm.

The public are asked to report any similar trees through out Ireland. It is hoped that these trees resistant to Dutch elm disease. These trees are of genetic importance because their offspring could hold the same tendency to resist the disease, fuelling hopes of a resurgence in this once-widespread species.Mr McConville, a former president of the Tree Council of Ireland, made the discovery when he was approached by residents of Kenilworth Square to carry out a tree survey in mid-2024.

There are several varieties of elm in Ireland, but these are wych elms are considered to be the only species native to our island, making the discovery even more important from a biodiversity perspective.

Here is the link to the full article and please do get in contact if you believe you know the location of healthy Elm Trees Other organisations, such as the Native Woodland Trust, are also seeking elms displaying resistance.The environmental charity is encouraging the public to embark on a “wych hunt”, in the hopes of finding mature specimens that could herald the revitalisation of the species in Ireland.

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/survival-of-four-trees-in-dublin-square-could-hold-key-to-reviving-native-irish-elm-expert-says/a1312514184.html