The Ash Tree is an atmospheric adaptation of a M R James ghost story.
Sir Richard (Edward Petherbridge) has returned from Italy to take over as the local squire after the death of his uncle.
Sir Richard has plans to marry, have children and make an extension to his stately home.
However things die in his land. He sees dead animals and birds. He also has visions of his great uncle, Sir Matthew almost has he was there with him. Sir Matthew pronounced sentence on a local woman Anne Mothersole for being a witch who was then subsequently executed. Maybe Sir Matthew had an attraction with her, but it looks like the witch cursed him and his family.
His great uncle died in murky circumstances where his blackened body was found. Sir Richard might be haunted by his great uncle or the woman who was executed as a witch and whose grave he plans to disturb. Then there is the Ash tree that needs cutting down as it is too close to his property. The tree seems to have small creatures in the dark, wailing like babies.
This is a brief adaptation mixing supernatural horror with a psychological element.