Forestry stakeholders' perspectives on the prospects for restoring European ash in Sweden

European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ) is a keystone broadleaved tree species in northern Europe, valued for its ecological functions, cultural heritage, timber and biodiversity support. Since the early 2000s, ash populations have declined dramatically due to ash dieback caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus , raising questions about whether and how the species can be restored. While substantial research has focused on genetic resistance of ash, less is known about how stakeholders perceive the feasibility, risks, and responsibilities associated with restoration. This study explores the willingness to engage in and support ash restoration among forestry stakeholders in regions of Sweden where ash has historically been common. Interviews with forest owners, managers, and other forestry actors were analysed within a social-ecological framework integrating societal, technological, and ecological dimensions. Respondents expressed attachment to ash and broad support for its restoration in principle. However, willingness to act was conditional on several factors. Key barriers included uncertainty about resistance durability, financial risk for landowners, limited suitable planting sites, availability of commercially viable seedlings, and fragmented governance responsibilities. The respondents showed high confidence in conventional breeding approaches but were sceptical toward biotechnological solutions. Existing policy, particularly Sweden’s Noble Broadleaves Policy, was viewed as promising but requiring adaptation to explicitly support ash restoration. The findings highlight that ash restoration is not solely a biological or technical challenge, but also a social and governance venture. Aligning national policy with the EU Nature Restoration Law, could help reduce uncertainty, mobilize stakeholder engagement and create enabling conditions for future restoration efforts.