There has been an outbreak of this near me and checking with forestry commission site, it appears that it is confirmed in most of the surrounding area.
Link
The issue being that the area is well known for mountain biking, looking at the density and distribution of the outbreaks it is on all the major cycling roots. I have nothing against the pastime and it brings money to the local area but I feel something needs to be done, at the moment there are warning signs up asking people to stick to established paths and to clean footware/wheels after leaving and before returning but given the spread it is clearly not being followed.
As many of know I've mentioned several times here that I'm blessed with the biodiversity here, but I am rather worried by this. Anyone got any suggestions of whom to contact or actions that can be taken.
It's both what you do and the way that you do it!
You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren. William Henry Hudson (1841 - 1922)
this is a good place to look
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum
i have come across a different strain in the horse chestnuts in my village (i work for parish council which is responsible for trees in public open space)
there is loads of info on the site and its forestry commission so trustworthy
izzy
Thanks izzy and some good info there.
However having read that it appears the only solution is felling......
So there's a huge conflict here, it needs to be cleared that is beyond doubt as japanese larch is a new specie infected and a better host than rhodedendrum spreading quicker and more densely.
The landscape around here is going to change dramatically, I can but hope that effects on wildlife are minimised.
I just found felling is postponed till end of May 2011 and and earlier than planned conversion to pure broad leaf forestry.
Also the felled areas will help ground nesting, so could actually improve things long term.
got something like this in local park horse chustnut trees not many left standing now
the friedly bid watcher