A new tree disease has been identified in Cumbria.
The pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis has been identified in the county following earlier outbreaks in Cornwall.
Cumbrian woodland managers, landowners, the forest industry and tree nurseries the county are being urged to remain vigilant after the Forestry Commission and Forest Research identified the pathogen in woodlands in the western part of the county.
First identified in Oregon, USA, in 2013, Phytophthora pluvialis is a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pines.
It causes needle cast, shoot dieback and lesions on stems, branches, and roots.
Although the pathogen has been detected on mature western hemlock and Douglas fir trees at Cumbrian sites, it is as yet unknown if the pathogen is the direct cause of the observed symptoms.
Investigations continue to determine whether other factors are at play.
Nicola Spence, the UK chief plant health officer, said: “I urge all sectors to support efforts to tackle this pathogen by checking the health of western hemlock and Douglas fir trees.
“Key symptoms to look for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots.”
The Forestry Commission has introduced a demarcated area in Cumbria to help prevent accidental movement of the pathogen, which comes into force on Friday, November 26 and covers a large area to the south of Keswick and west of the A591.
Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via TreeAlert here.
