Restrictions on the felling and movement of timber in a "demarcated" area of Herefordshire impacted by the tree disease Phytophthora pluvialis will be lifted – but others remain in force.

The UK chief plant health officer Nicola Spence confirmed the changes after updated research which showed the risk of the disease spreading via the movement of timber and wood materials into wider sites is low.

A pest risk analysis (PRA) was carried out and updated following consultations and latest research findings, but planting restrictions would continue, it said.

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

What is the disease Phytophthora pluvialis?

According to the Forestry Commission, 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.

What are the new restrictions?

Restrictions in England on the affected sites in Cornwall and Devon, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Surrey, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire limited 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.

The Forestry Commission said it would continue to research and monitor the level of risk and likelihood of entry of the disease into the wider environment and will keep the revised demarcated area restrictions under review. 

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It said the revised approach would see the forestry sector return to more typical operating conditions within the demarcated areas.

Authorisation through local APHA inspectors would still be required for any movement of plants for planting within the demarcated area.

Additionally, susceptible material from known infected sites within the demarcated areas would continue to be restricted and can only be received by authorised businesses, more details can be found on GOV.UK.

What have experts said?

UK chief plant health officer Nicola Spence said: “Following findings of Phytophthora Pluvialis, swift, robust and precautionary action was taken at the affected sites to limit the spread of this potentially harmful pathogen into wider areas.

"Some of these restrictions are now being lifted, in line with the latest science which shows the risk of the disease spreading via timber movement pathways is low.

"We are confident that this move strikes the right balance between stringent biosecurity and supporting forestry sector trade.

“I urge all sectors to continue to be vigilant for signs of Phytophthora pluvialis by checking the health of western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees.

"Key symptoms to look out for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots. Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its TreeAlert online portal.”

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The Forestry Commission’s plant health forestry’s operations manager Andy Hall said: “Based on current research which shows the risk of P. pluvialis spreading via timber movement pathways is low, we have revoked some restrictions in the demarcated areas in Cornwall and Devon, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Surrey, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire.

“Any material from uninfected sites will no longer have restrictions on movement and processing and does not have to be inspected and moved to authorised processors only. Restrictions do however remain in place on movement of plants for planting and materials arising from infected sites within these areas.

“Research and monitoring of the level of risk and likelihood of entry of the disease into the wider environment continues and we will keep the demarcated area approach under review.”

Phytophthora Pluvialis was first identified in Great Britain in August 2021 on a stand of western hemlock in Cornwall.