Identify the substance: Derry, Ireland

[Declanworld]

Comrades please identify the powdery stuff adorning the tree in my photo. Is it dried fungus?

[Dorts]

Hi Declan,
It is difficult to be sure without a good, clear close-up.
It could be fungal, so you could try it on the Fungi Forum.
Though I'm inclined to think it could well be Wooly Aphids, in which case try it on the Insect Forum.

Is there any chance of a close-up?
Dorts.

[Declanworld]

Thanks Dorts.

I hope to be passing there tomorrow again - I'll do a close-up (should've done one today.

regards
Declan

[The Woodman]

I'm pretty sure this is Felted Beech Coccus Cryptococcus fagisuga

This Beech scale insect some fungi form the disease-complex responsible for beech bark disease of Beech.

Beech scale infests mainly larger sized beech trees, feeding on host tissues and causing small fissures on the bark. This initial damage to the tree allows Neonectria to enter the tree, which kills host tissue and eventually girdles the tree causing it to die.

[Declanworld]

Thanks Woodman!