Walkers are being asked to help prevent the spread of an infectious tree disease which is leading to a large number of larch trees being felled in the Brecon Beacons National Park just over the Herefordshire border.

An outbreak of Phytophthora ramorum, a highly infectious tree disease which leads to Sudden Oak Death, has been identified in Forestry Commission Wales-managed woodland which covers over 120 acres in the upper Taf Fechan and Talybont valleys. 

Phytophthora ramorum is not harmful to humans or animals, but is easily spread by walkers.

Public access in the affected areas will continue as normal for the time being, however Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, together with its partners at Forestry Commission Wales, are asking walkers and cyclists to do everything they can to stop the disease spreading further.

Signage has now been in erected in the affected areas advising walkers and cyclists of the basic biosecurity measures they can take to prevent the disease spreading to other forests:

• Ensuring they and their dogs keep to the paths.
• Brush off any loose mud and dirt from their footwear, clothing and bicycles in the car park.
• Thoroughly cleaning their footwear and bicycles at home before their next visit.

These latest outbreaks are the largest yet identified on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate in the National Park.

The most recently affected areas in Taf Fechan and Talybont include two Forestry Commission Wales car parks, at Owl’s Grove and Upper Blaen y Glyn. Both car parks will be closed until March 2013.