What is the latest on Sudden Oak Death both nationally and regionally?
The Woodland Trust is aware of Phytophthora ramorum (otherwise know as sudden oak death disease). Most cases of it in the United Kingdom have been found in rhododendrons, camellias and viburnum at garden centres. It has not affected any native oak trees as far as we know. It has been found in a few beech, horse chestnut, sweet chestnut, turkey oak, holme oak and red oak. Although these are very isolated examples, the existence of the fungus in the UK is a concern. We await the results of a Forestry Commission survey which are due in April 2004. In the meantime, the Woodland Trust is following Forestry Commission advice, which does not involve any changes to our existing woodland management practice.
