Pumbaa
I've never experienced Ash exhibiting sudden branch drop. Beech are infamous for doing this during dry spells ('summer branch drop') possibly as a response to drought pressure. However, this phenomenon has been noted in other species.
You are more likely to be troubled by 'hangers' - detached branches still lying within the crown of the tree. Ash tends to accumulate hangers readily - especially after a good blow! Avoid camping beneath any obvious ones as they tend to come down butt-first if dislodged!!
If you're taking a group around it might be wise to choose a route with hangers etc. in mind. I would imagine the probability of actually getting struck is very small - unless you're wandering around during a storm - but it's worth bearing in mind.
I've spent a fair amount of time in the woods and I've only seen a tree come down 'naturally' on two occasions. Once was the result of windthrow within a wood which was a tall ash on a chalk slope, and the other was a dead staghead oak on a completely calm day - with only a creak behind me giving me warning!
As regards 'widowmakers' this term tends to refer to felling leaning ash trees (particularly with a chainsaw). Ashwood splits very easily and a leaning ash can suddenly split out in a spectacular fashion creating a 'barbers chair'. If the feller is unfortunate enough to be in the way they may be killed - hence 'widowmaker'. A special series of cuts is used to fell a leaning ash with a chainsaw - not something to be undertaken without appropriate training.
On the plus side you should have no trouble finding ample firewood. There should be plenty of small standing dead ash which are excellent kindling, split down well and play host to the King Alfred Cakes fungus.
While limbs and trees do fall don't let that stop you enjoying your new wood. Adopt a sensible approach by treating any dodgy-looking tree / branch with respect but above all delight in the changing moods of the wood. An ash wood usually has a varied ground flora as plenty of light reaches the woodland floor, and you should see quite a variety of fungi as well! Your biggest disappointment will be in shelter building however; ash leaves decay quickly so you'll be hard pressed finding enough humus to cover a natural shelter at any other time other than autumn!!
Hope that helps.
Bob
