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Woodland owners put on disease alertWoodland owners across the South East are warned to be on the lookout for a deadly disease which is spreading through larch plantations in the South West.
The CLA has asked experts from the Forestry Commission to produce a special information sheet on what is now a serious threat to trees and shrubs in counties to the west of this region. The threat comes from the fungus-like disease Phytophthora ramorum also known as larch die back. The disease was found in larch woodlands in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset last autumn and in the last few weeks suspicious sites have been located in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Wales. The disease was first found in the UK in a garden centre in 2002 but was, subsequently, found on many ornamental species in gardens before spreading into the natural environment infecting rhododendron, bilberry on moorland, and on a number of tree species. The disease is spread via spores produced on infected foliage, which can be carried long distances in moist air currents and generally kills the plants it infects. CLA members have been warned that the infection is now widespread and the Forestry Commission is concerned that, unless they can fell infected trees quickly, the disease is likely to become more extensive and damaging to woodlands and the wider natural environment in the future. CLA Sussex Committee member Edward Stenhouse who serves on the CLA's Forestry and Woodland committee, said: "This is a worrying development and it is important that woodland owners take swift and decisive action to contain this disease. They should make sure they know the symptoms and check their woodlands regularly. They should report any concerns of potential disease to the Forestry Commission. "Adopt biosecurity NOW. Don't let any third party vehicles into their woodland without ensuring that the wheels are free of mud and any potential contaminants of larch branches for example. Make sure third party boots are also free from mud. "If planting any trees from nurseries, make sure that the nursery gives you a written guarantee that the trees supplied are entirely free from any phytophthora. Also remove ponticums as these act as hosts." The Forestry Commission is of course taking all sensible actions to prevent the spread of P. Ramorum. The disease is notifiable, and if people find it on their property they should contact the Forestry Commission immediately at southeast.fce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or on 01420 23666. |
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