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CLA convenes woodland event to contain disease threatAs fears of tree disease rise in the South East, woodland owners and foresters from throughout the region attended a tree disease workshop this week on the Hampton Estate near Farnham in Surrey, organised by the CLA, to discuss urgent measures to contain the threat. The event focused on a range of pests and diseases now affecting our trees, including die back in oak, bleeding canker in Chestnut and, of greatest economic concern to foresters, phytophthora ramorum, also known as larch die back. A deadly fungus-like disease, phytophthora ramorum is spreading through larch plantations in the South West, and is moving east and must be treated as a serious threat to trees and shrubs in this region. The disease was found in larch woodlands in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset in autumn 2009 and was then found in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Wales a year on. 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. The seminar was chaired by Edward Barham, Chairman of the CLA Forestry and Woodland Sub-Committee, and speakers were David Rose, Head of Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service at Forest Research, Jeremy Barrell of Barrell Tree Consultancy, and Mike Seville, CLA Forestry and Woodland Advisor. 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. Edward Barham 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 visiting vehicles into woodlands without ensuring that the wheels are free of mud and any potential contaminants of larch branches for example. Make sure visitor's 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 23000. |
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