Hundreds of trees cut down in Plymouth in bid to halt virus
FORESTERS have begun chopping down the first of hundreds of trees dying from a "flu-like" fungal infection in Plymouth woodlands.
The Herald reported last week how the Forestry Commission is felling 600 acres of South West woodland in a bid to halt the "phenomenal" spread of phytophthora ramorum.
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The contagious fungus, thought to have been brought into Cornwall in imported plants, has been attacking larch trees in Plym Woods — and experts fear it could jump species.
Chopping down 12 hectares last winter failed to stop the spread and staff now fear a further 40 hectares of young and old larch could be lost.
Area forester Ben Philipps said: "We knew we had a pretty virulent disease on our hands, but the infected areas have become more and more significant. It looks pretty destructive, but this is the only answer."
Large areas of the Forestry Commission-owned Cann Woods, in Plymbridge, have been sealed off from the public now machinery has moved in. The fungus poses no threat to humans or animals but walkers are asked to stick to paths, keep animals on leads and clean cycles and footwear before leaving to help curb the spread.
Hundreds of acres at Glyn Woods, near Bodmin, and Lydford Woods, near Tavistock, are also being felled, and a further 20 areas are at risk.
Any landowners finding signs of diseased trees on their land are urged to call the Forestry Commission on 01626 890666.
15 Comments
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by Crater Kid, Hooe.
Sunday, July 25 2010, 8:02PM
“Those wily council chaps have it sorted over here, they use buses, and H.G.Vs, to keep the trees and bushes trimmed!
As for birds poo on the cars, why doesn't the council keep the toilets open all night, and employ an attendant? Simples!”
by ANNA.N, Plymouth
Sunday, July 25 2010, 10:49AM
“Pity they don't cut down some of the trees in our street.They are that overgrown that there is no sunlight ,a lot of bird poo on the cars.My neighboure has to have her light on all day.”
by Rick O'Shay, zog
Sunday, July 25 2010, 9:34AM
“Once the infected larch have been cleared it would be great to see the area re-planted with native hardwoods instead of yet more conifer species.
Given that the Plym Valley area is used by a lot of people for recreation I hope that the Forestry Commission and National Trust will see that the woodland there is about more than just commercial planting.”
by Jonny, Plymouth
Sunday, July 25 2010, 8:13AM
“P. ramorum is new: it was first seen in 1995, and only properly identified in 2000. At the moment there is no effective treatment once an infestation occurs except through felling. The Forestry commission land, and the National Trust land next to it would be almost impossible to build on because of its steepness and geology, and is in any case protected by statute.”
by Shipmate Ron, Plymouth
Sunday, July 25 2010, 8:06AM
“Yew lot are out of line. This is no j-oak-ing matter. They should get someone from the government down, like John Redwood, he's a fun guy too. Whoever brought this virus in should get the birch. As if we don't pay enough to keep the beeches clean already.”
by Steve, Millbay
Sunday, July 25 2010, 1:34AM
“I didn't see any women cutting down the woodland. Just Tree Fellas.”
by C, Plymouth
Saturday, July 24 2010, 7:36PM
“This is just an excuseto sell to a developer to build luxury housing, you wait and see. Why didn't they spray the trees to stop it spreading, why iit ust in this area?”
by Woody Woodpecker, High up in my nest
Saturday, July 24 2010, 6:18PM
“APLank. You do talk a load of shrubbish but I bough to your superior knowledge.”
by A P Lank, Treetops
Saturday, July 24 2010, 4:36PM
“...or even create a chopping centre”
by A P Lank, treetops
Saturday, July 24 2010, 4:34PM
“I heard they were going to open a timber-land store there”