Biosecurity measures have been introduced for the forestry and timber industries in south Wales after sudden oak death disease was discovered in a larch forest.
The Forestry Commission has described the development as a step change in the pathogen’s (Phytophthora ramorum) behaviour.
It is attempting to minimise the economic impact on the forest and timber industries by permitting logs from felled infected trees to be moved to specially licensed sawmills, provided certain biosecurity measures are taken.
These include stacking logs on bearers to keep them off the ground while awaiting removal, pressure-washing timber trucks, and destroying sawmill residues.
The disease was discovered in the south-west of England last year, where it attacked large numbers of a commercially-grown conifer species.
Forestry Commission inspectors expect to find more infected sites in Wales, as ground inspections follow up aerial surveys.
Scientists at the commission’s Forest Research arm believe that spores have spread the disease to the Welsh larch forests in rain, mists and air currents carried across the Bristol Channel.
“We managed to fell most of the infected trees in the south-west before this year’s new needles formed and therefore before new spores could be produced,” said Roddie Burgess, head of the Forestry Commission’s plant health service. “This appearance and spread into larch trees in Wales adds to our concern.”
• The Forestry Commission Wales and the Food and Environment Research Agency are offering free training to woodland managers to raise awareness of the disease. The sessions will be held in St Asaph, Denbighshire on July 7; Newtown, Powys on July 8; and Garwnant, Merthyr Tydfil on July 16. To book email alison.evans@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
