Latest news with #Phytophthoraramorum
Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Campaigners secure crunch meeting as concerns rage over Strathyre felling plans
The meeting has been called between the main forestry organisation, community groups and councillors after a petition protesting the tree felling plans attracted more than 600 signatures. Concerned campaigners have secured a meeting with forestry chiefs over tree felling plans affecting more than 4,000 hectares of woodland near Strathyre. The Observer reported last week on a petition protesting proposals from Forestry and Land Scotland following growing concern over the presence of 'Phytophthora ramorum' infections across forests in the Trossachs region. The Strathyre Forests Larch Removal Plan (LRP) covers a total area of 4,225 hectares and is targeting both infected and uninfected trees within a prescribed 'buffer zone'. But those plans were subject to a petition of more than 600 signatures - and the pressure now appears to have paid off with a meeting in the works between residents, pressure groups, councillors and FLS themselves. Petition author Karen Clough said: 'We want the best outcome for the woodland here but the scale of the work planned is both exceptional and extraordinary. 'To lose almost 200 hectares of woodland in the next two to three years would really be devastating for the area, not just the habitats built up but also the eco-tourism which businesses can be so reliant upon. 'People come here to wander off into the quiet woodland and get lost - and they do so from all over the world - but who would want to come here if they're going to be surrounded by forestry work and logging machines? 'Why don't we ringfence an area around Strathyre as non-commercial woodland which can be more protected, where the diversity of habitats is saved and it wouldn't impact the community as severely?' Further concerns over the proposals on wildlife have been raised by Duncan Orr-Ewing, chairman of the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group, who added: 'There is a really broad mix of conifer tree species in the area and because of that diversity, it is really attractive to an array of wildlife - we have an interest in breeding raptors, but there is also a healthy population of goshawks and owls. 'The main concern over the FLS plans are that we haven't seen much of a mitigation plan for the raptor and owl species and a whole load of conifers potentially being removed could cause serious damage to the raptor population. 'We commented on the proposals at an early stage but haven't had any feedback from that; they have the information on the breeding raptors and the concerns they will leave this area if this is not carried out properly.' Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl has been involved in brokering the meeting and welcomed the news - and also the extension of consultation over the plans until July 4. Cllr Earl said: 'Given how extensive these proposals are, I can fully understand why there is so much interest from the community so I am delighted that FLS agreed to extend the consultation period and agree to a meeting with interested parties. 'I look forward to this being a constructive opportunity for concerns to be addressed.' An FLS spokesman said 'Although the law requiring the removal of diseased larch within a timebound period does not require that the usual pre-felling checks are carried out, we nevertheless act in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, and use a number of measures to protect raptor and other species during our operations. 'In this instance, we have sought to minimise the potential impacts on wildlife by, as far as is possible, limiting the area of mature forest being removed, proposing the use of thinning and 'keyholing' techniques to minimise tree loss and, where we can, retain non-larch stands in excess of c.45 years of age. 'Where neither option is open to us we will continue to work with stakeholders, including NatureScot and the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group, to find other ways to minimise and mitigate the impacts on populations of priority and protected species.'
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Tree felling plans in rural Stirling forest attracts major opposition in call for delay
The proposals from Forestry and Land Scotland include more than 4,000 hectares near Strathyre where woodland and forest could see trees chopped down over infection concerns. A plan that would see larch trees removed across a more than 4000 hectare stretch of woodland near Strathyre has attracted strong opposition. The proposals have been published by Forestry and Land Scotland in response to growing concern over the presence of 'Phytophthora ramorum' infections across forests in the Trossachs region. This infection has resulted in the need for Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) - which allow for the felling of infected trees and uninfected trees within a prescribed 'buffer area'. The Strathyre Forests Larch Removal Plan (LRP) covers a total area of 4,225 hectares of coniferous forest and broad-leaf woodland located around Strathyre and neighbouring Balquhidder. But the plans have been met with criticism locally - and a petition set up by campaigners looking to preserve the natural woodland has attracted more than 600 signatures. On the online petition page, they write: 'Strathyre and Loch Lubnaig are jewels of natural beauty, cherished by both locals and the thousands of visitors who flock here year after year. 'The clean air, lush green spaces, and rich wildlife create a beloved sanctuary, both for nature lovers and for the local economy which thrives on eco-tourism and hospitality. 'However, Forestry and Land Scotland's current plans propose mass felling and thinning of our forests, threatening to dismantle this irreplaceable ecosystem and the very essence of what makes Strathyre and Callander unique. 'We understand that forestry management is necessary, but such drastic measures need a pause. A thorough consultation involving local businesses and a comprehensive impact assessment on our wildlife are paramount before any further actions are taken. 'The total area affected by the FLS plan is 4226 hectares, that's an area equivalent to 6000 football pitches. 'But the total amount of diseased larch equates only to about ten per cent of that area. 'We must prioritise sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the communities that cherish it'. The petition then pleads for FLS and Scottish Forestry to halt the current plans for a 'full consultation' to be carried out and the 'implications' of the tree felling programme to be understood. An FLS spokesperson said: 'We are legally required to act when Phytophthora ramorum infection is confirmed. 'SPHNs demand that infected trees (and others within a buffer zone around the infection site) are felled prior to the following autumn. 'The SLRP concentrates in one document all of the action that we would be required to take under several SPHNs. 'Although the plan covers an overall area of approximately 4,200 ha - around 2,800 ha of which is woodland – the proposed felling area is 446 ha over the next five years (around ten per cent of the overall area) - had the disease not been present an equivalent area would normally have been felled over a 5-10 year period. 'The disease is highly infectious, affects a wide range of plant and forest species, and causes extensive mortality in infected species of larch. Pre-emptive action will go some way towards protecting larch trees in as yet un-affected areas of the country.'
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire Council planning decisions this week
Silver birch approved for removal A dangerously leaning silver birch tree was approved for removal by a delegated officer in Monmouthshire. The tree was threatening a house, power line, and heating oil supply pipe. Usk store to undergo redevelopment The Co-op store on Bridge Street, Usk, will see a range of upgrades to its building and infrastructure. Approved plans include the installation of a new gas cooler, DA pack, and air conditioning units in the rear yard, replacing existing equipment. The timber shop fronts will be repaired and redecorated to match the current appearance. The main entrance canopy will receive new boxing at its base to address damage to the timber columns. Additional improvements include new ventilation systems, external LED lighting, and internal refurbishments such as upgraded flooring, ceilings, and fire boarding. The application was granted listed building consent on June 3. Glamping site approved in Tintern A sustainable glamping site in Tintern has been approved by planners. The seasonal development includes six bell tents, two compost toilets, and a shower block at Cross Farm, Ravensnest Wood Road. Cottage set for energy efficiency upgrades A cottage near Tintern is set for energy efficiency upgrades. Monmouthshire County Council has approved plans to retrofit The Retreat, located on Barbadoes Hill, with external wall insulation and three new Velux roof windows. The insulation will be applied to all four sides of the property and finished with a white render. The application was approved by delegated decision on June 2. Roof light given green light in Caerwent A homeowner has been granted permission to add an extra roof light to their home. Caerwent Community Council granted the applicant's request for a property on Merton Green, Caerwent, on May 29. Garden to become driveway in Chepstow A front garden is set to be converted into a driveway. Monmouthshire County Council has approved a request to replace the lawn at 23 Western Avenue in Chepstow with a hard-surfaced parking area. The proposed driveway will measure six metres by 6.5 metres. The application was approved on June 2. Forestry access track plans withdrawn Elsewhere, plans to build a forestry access track in Devauden have been withdrawn. The track was planned to support tree felling operations in Little Tredean Wood, where mature larch trees have been infected with Phytophthora ramorum. The proposal was withdrawn on June 3. Garden extension in Devauden approved Meanwhile, a bungalow's garden will be extended after planning permission was granted. The land will be incorporated into the residential garden at Pen Y Bryn Bungalow, Cobblers Hill, Devauden. Gym and home office approved in Newchurch A new gym and home office outbuilding at Pyotts Cottage, Coed Llifos Road, Newchurch, has been approved. The construction was greenlit by a delegated officer. Yew tree to be pruned to protect St Tysois Church Finally, a historic yew tree will be pruned to protect a village church. Located in the churchyard of St Tysois Church in Llansoy, near Usk, the tree will be trimmed to prevent overhanging branches from damaging the building or impeding access. Monmouthshire County Council approved the plans on June 2. The work will raise the tree's crown to two metres and clear branches within three metres of the church on its western side. The application also includes the removal of epicormic shoots from the trunk.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6-year-old sniffer dog searches for species that could infect and kill millions of trees: 'Incredibly encouraging'
On just its hind legs, Ivor, a 6-year-old mixed cocker spaniel and Labrador dog, diligently sniffs at large piles of split firewood, looking for one thing: Phytophthora ramorum. Originating from the forests of Asia, P. ramorum is an invasive, algae-like water mold that infects over 150 plant species across Europe and North America. The disease manifests as cankers on a tree's trunk and branches as well as brown and black lesions on the tree's leaves. P. ramorum is incurable and highly virulent — causing sudden oak death in millions of trees. The pathogen thrives in wet conditions and spreads primarily through the movement of infected plant material, including infected soil, roots, leaves, and spore-containing water. The overheating planet and increased globalization encourage an even more rapid spread of invasive species. With warmer temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events (floods and droughts), and melting sea ice — revealing new shipping channels — the invasive species has more opportunity to move and spread. Fortunately, Ivor has been trained to stop this pathogen in its tracks. Trained by the United Kingdom's Forest Research and Canine Assisted Pest Eradication, Ivor uses various detection techniques, including scent recognition, to identify the pathogen at a success rate of 89%, Farmers Guide reported. Correctly identifying infected plants and materials helps control the spread of the disease, preserving the rest of the plant species within the forest. Dr. Heather Dun, a research pathologist with the UK Forest Research, finds the success of these initial detection trials "incredibly encouraging," per Farmers Guide. "This groundbreaking research using detection dogs to identify Phytophthora ramorum, alongside other innovative approaches to tackle pests and diseases, will play a key role in maintaining biosecurity," said professor Nicola Spence, the chief plant health officer for the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, per Farmers Guide. As Ivor's handlers work hard to improve their detection success rates, this innovative approach may inspire a new role for detection dogs in preserving ecosystem health and maintaining balance in nature. So far, Welsh puppies have landed in Africa to protect wildlife from illegal poaching activities. Dogs are eradicating lanternfly egg masses in forests and near vineyards, and Hawaiʻi is using dogs to sniff out invasive pests on ships and planes entering the island. Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Biosecurity is incredibly important, and detection dogs like Ivor are an exciting new method for helping to protect our trees," said Dun, per Farmers Guide. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
