Forestry Commission are acting to tackle the oak tree
pest, oak processionary moth in parts of London and
South East England.
Oak processionary moth was first identified in London
in 2006 and has since spread to some surrounding
counties.
The caterpillars and their nests contain hairs which
can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations, so
a Government programme is in place to limit their
spread. They can also occasionally cause breathing
difficulties in people and pets, so should not be
touched under any circumstances.
People with infested trees in the control zone have
been advised that work needs to take place over the
next two months to help stop the spread of this pest.
Contractors spraying affected trees on behalf of the
Forestry Commission will carry out work safely,
adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Craig Harrison, the Forestry Commission’s South-East
England Director, said:
Green spaces with trees are proving particularly
valuable for visitors of woodlands, who are
exercising whilst practicing social distancing this
spring.
Controlling OPM will help protect oak tree health and
ensure continued enjoyment of parks and woodland by
reducing the impact of OPM caterpillars to human
health.
Everyone is reminded, particularly those in London and
surrounding counties, to report sightings of OPM
caterpillars, which could be damaging oak trees in
their area.
Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry
Commission via TreeAlert.
Alternatively, people can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or
call 0300 067 4442.
The Forestry Commission, councils and land managers
have an annual programme in place to tackle the pest,
which affects certain part of the country in the
spring.
How to identify OPM
Nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, averaging
the size of a tennis ball. They are white when fresh,
but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars
have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs
which contain proteins which can cause irritations and
occasionally, breathing difficulties.
The greatest risk period is May to July, when the
caterpillars’ emerge and feed before pupating into
adult moths, but caterpillars and nests should not be
touched at any time. The caterpillars feed on oak
leaves, which can leave the trees vulnerable to other
pests and diseases and drought.
Anyone pruning or felling oak trees in the affected
areas should contact Forestry Commission England’s
Plant Health Forestry Team beforehand on opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or
0300 067 4442 for advice about safe removal of the
material.
Further information is available from
the Forestry
Commission and advice about stings and bites
is available on the NHS Choices
website.
Further information
- Sighting reports should include a precise
description of the location. An Ordnance Survey grid
reference is ideal, otherwise a postal address and/or a
clear description of the tree’s exact position, is
helpful, as are clear photographs.
- Forestry Commission’s latest operational update in
relation to Covid-19 can be read here
