We have recently confirmed the presence of plant disease Phytophthora ramorum in Burrator Woods.
Phytophthora ramorum affects trees and plants. The disease can spread by spore dispersal in water and soil, though the greatest risk is through the movement of infected plant material.
There is no risk to animal or human health but you can help to control the disease by following these precautions:
- Keep to marked paths, forest roads and hard footpaths
- Keep dogs on short leads
- Do not remove any plant material, such as cuttings, from the woodland
- Remove soil and mud from boots and shoes before leaving the woodland
- Keep away from ongoing tree removal and obey health and safety signs
We have been instructed by the Forestry Commission to fell the affected larch within the Burrator forest by early next year to help prevent the disease spreading.
There are many areas of the woodland unaffected which the public can still enjoy but please observe public information notices and obey all health and safety signs while felling are in progress.
For Further Information:
About the disease and how the Forestry Commission and the Food and Environment Research Agency are controlling it please refer to:
www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum
www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/index.cfm
About managing the removal of the affected trees:
www.forestandland.co.uk
South West Lakes Trust is working together with Dartmoor National Park Authority:
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/index/lookingafter/laf-naturalenv/laf-treeswoodlands/laf_pram16710.htm