Canker

There is a small woodland through which one of my (several) walks take me. It is slowly being devastated by Canker. The main group of tress to suffer are Apple and Pear tress; in all probability due to poor pruning which leaves branches exposed. For some reason when it attacks hard wood trees (as in this case) it is exceptionally difficult to control.

Once its got into the main trunk then there's nothing you can do. This is the case here, its spreading to others in the same area. Recently planted saplings are already showing signs of distress.

All very sad. Just a shame the landowner doesn't engage in a bit of active management