Oxfordshire Woodland Group

The Forestry Commission have issued advice as follows :-

The oriental chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus) has been confirmed in sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) in Farningham Woods in NW Kent.

Key facts:

· Oriental chestnut gall wasp is a pest that affects species of sweet chestnut tree. Only European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) is grown in significant numbers in Britain, and no other tree species in Britain is affected.

· The Forestry Commission is undertaking a full survey and analysis to determine the scale of the current outbreak and the potential cause of the outbreak.

· Once we have fully assessed the situation, we will swiftly take any appropriate action.

· Oriental chestnut gall wasp is a threat to sweet chestnuts in several regions of the world. It reduces nut production and can weaken the tree, leaving it vulnerable to other diseases.

· The UK has Protected Zone Status against this pest, and the plant health services must be notified of all pending imports of sweet chestnut planting material before its arrival in the UK so that a proportion can be inspected.

· As part of investigations into the outbreak, the new Observatree group of trained volunteers have agreed to help survey more widely for evidence of the pest.

Further details can be found on our website at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/gallwasp, and will be updated as the situation evolves.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The website should answer most questions you might have, but:

Forestry media enquiries can be directed to Charlton Clark in the Forestry Commission England press office on tel 0300 067 5049.

Woodland owners and managers needing further information may contact Forestry Commission England’s tree health team on tel 0300 067 4000.

Jeanette Hawkins
Area Admin Officer

Forestry Commission
South East & London Area
Bucks Horn Oak
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LS

+44 (0)300 067 4420 (switchboard)

+44 (0)300 067 4425 (direct)