The Forestry Commission has set up a zone around the latest outbreak of plant disease “sudden oak death” in the New Forest.
The commission has set up a three-kilometre survey zone around the outbreak of phytophthora ramorum, which has been responsible for killing significant numbers of oak trees in the US. The infection has been confirmed on some rhododendron bushes near Brockenhurst.
“We are now working with Defra to determine the exact scale and extent of the outbreak, to destroy infected plants, and to decide what other action might be needed,” said Mike Seddon, New Forest deputy surveyor.
But Mr Seddon said the disease posed little risk to the New Forest’s oak trees, as the UK’s two native oak species had so far proved much less susceptible than their American cousins.
“There is, however, evidence that other species, such as beech and ash, are susceptible.”
