Recent surveys have revealed the further spread of the disease, Phytophthora ramorum, across DEFA’s forests.
This fungus-like disease causes lesions on the trunks of infected trees, dieback of foliage, wilting of stems and stem lesions on infected shrubs and plants, ultimately resulting in death.
The disease is currently affecting larch trees in DEFA’s plantations, but has the potential to affect other species of trees and other plants in areas such as heathland.
DEFA is taking this threat very seriously and is asking for the public’s help to minimise the risk of further spread of the disease. Visitors are requested to follow some simple steps when visiting forests affected by the disease. Signs at entrances will identify areas affected and the advice includes:
• Keep to designated footpaths and tracks to ensure that footwear and/or bicycle wheels remain clean and free from soil and leaf litter.
• Keep dogs on leads at all times.
• Don’t remove any plant material (including wood).
• Clean your footwear, wheels and animals before leaving forest areas to access adjacent heathland and before visiting other forests and sites.
• Respect and follow any safety signage or advice and instructions given by Forestry staff.
Brenda Cannell MHK, Member for Forestry stated: ‘The disease was first detected on the Island in 2010 affecting trees within Ballaugh Plantation, but has this year spread as far south as South Barrule Plantation. Current indications are that complete eradication of Phytophthora ramorum on larch is no longer thought to be achievable in the British Isles; so, unfortunately, over the next few years, we are likely to see the loss of a significant percentage of the Island’s larch population’. Mrs. Cannell went on to say; ‘Forests will remain open with signs being used to keep visitors informed where an area is known to be infected and any additional precautions to take. Complete exclusion of the public will only be necessary where tree harvesting work is being carried out. We are considering how we will continue to facilitate and host the wide range of recreational events that take place across the estate. It should be mentioned that this is a plant disease and does not affect people or animals.’
