eAlert: 17 January 2023
Published 17 January 2023
Applies to England
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Today (17 January 2023) read about Forestry Commission lifting Phytophthora pluvialis restrictions on timber industry and find out how to attend our best practice event ‘Managing deer across the English landscape’.
1. Forestry Commission lifts Phytophthora pluvialis restrictions on timber industry
Felling restrictions removed – helping land managers to return to more normal operating conditions
On Tuesday 17 January, the Forestry Commission will revoke restrictions on timber felling and movement from the demarcated areas in England affected by the tree disease Phytophthora pluvialis.
The UK Chief Plant Health Officer Nicola Spence has confirmed the changes following updated research which shows that the risk of the disease spreading via the movement of timber and wood materials into wider sites is low. A Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) has been carried out and updated following consultations and latest research findings.
Phytophthora pluvialis is a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species (in particular radiata pine). It is reported to cause needle cast (where needles turn brown and fall off), shoot dieback, and lesions on the stem, branches, and roots.
Current restrictions in England on the affected sites in Cornwall & Devon, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Surrey, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire restrict the felling and movement of susceptible timber and wood materials (wood, bark and trees), as well as plants for planting, which originate within the demarcated areas. The new demarcated area notices will no longer restrict the felling and movement of susceptible timber and wood material but will continue to restrict the movement of plants for planting.
Find out more in the press release Forestry Commission lifts Phytophthora pluvialis restrictions on timber industry – and view the updated notices and maps on Phytophthora pluvialis page on GOV.UK.
2. Managing deer across the English landscape
Join our best practice event
Forestry Commission Deer Officers are hosting a best practice in deer management event to bring together land managers, organisations and individuals across the deer sector.
The day will include talks on deer management, deer licensing (Natural England), the WS1 deer supplement, venison sector, thermal drone surveys and a presentation on the potential of lynx reintroduction for deer management. There will also be trade stands and lunch is included.
The Government recognizes that reducing deer impacts to new and existing woodlands will require improved levels of deer knowledge within the woodland and forestry sector and this event is working towards this.
Friday, 28 April 2023
8.30am - 4.30 pm
Bank House Hotel, Bransford Worcester WR6 5JD