Deadly tree disease sees restrictions for parts of Herefordshire

Phytophthora pluvialis, a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of trees, was discovered in a woodland in Cornwall in September 2021, where it was found to be affecting mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees.

And after an extensive investigation by the Forestry Commission, further outbreaks have been found in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Surrey and in Herefordshire.

Because of the disease, the Golden Valley in Herefordshire was named a "demarcated area" with restrictions on tree felling.

And now another part of Herefordshire is a "demarcated area" after the disease was found in Shropshire.

The area stretches from Craven Arms to Little Hereford, Luston and Adforton.

The Phytophthora Pluvialis Demarcated Area in Herefordshire and Shropshire

That includes areas such as Ludlow, Richards Castle, Orleton and Downton on the Rock.

The areas, according to documents on the UK Government's website, mean there are new restrictions on the felling and moving some "susceptible material".

That material includes wood, bark or trees of the genus Tsuga, Pseudotsuga, Pinus and Notholithocarpus.

The disease is known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species, in particular radiata pine, according to the Forestry Commission.

It is reported to cause needle cast, where needles turn brown and fall off, as well as shoot dieback and lesions on the stem, branches, and roots.