The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has spoken of her concern that a fungal-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species has been discovered on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.
Phytophthora pluvialis is reported to cause needle cast and can affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir and several pine species. As the disease has never been detected in Europe before, research is presently ongoing to understand if other potentially susceptible species could become impacted.
To understand what proactive steps will be taken to control the spread on public and private land in Wales, via a Written Question to the Minister for Climate Change, Janet has asked:
Will the Minister confirm what steps the Welsh Government will take to assist Natural Resources Wales and landowners in controlling and eradicating Phytophthora pluvialis, further to the reported sighting via the online portal?
Commenting on the sightings, Janet said:
“As custodians of this land, everyone has a part to play in preventing the spread of pest and pathogens among our woodland. With forest walks a firm festive favourite for some, I am asking residents to help prevent the spread by taking simple steps such as cleaning shoes, bike tyres and pet’s paws.
“I welcome that the Welsh Government will continue to work with partner agencies across the UK to share information, experience and understanding. Given that the Climate Change Risk Assessment 3 Report has detailed the increasing risk posed by pests and pathogens, and that nature knows no border, such collaboration will be key to our response.
“In the meantime, I encourage residents and landowners to remain vigilant for signs of Phytophthora pluvialis, particularly on western hemlock and Douglas fir, ensuring that we report sightings via the TreeAlert portal. I am informed that the key symptoms to look for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots.”
A symptom guide has been prepared that provides more information on Phytophthora pluvialis. Previously, outbreaks have been found in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria and on one site in the northwest of Scotland.
ENDS
Photo: by Steven Kamenar on Unsplash
