Forestry Commission asks public to keep an eye out for an exotic pest

OCGW is an insect of Asian origin which affects sweet chestnut trees
OCGW is an insect of Asian origin which affects sweet chestnut trees

The Forestry Commission is asking people to join its tree health surveyors in keeping an eye out for an exotic pest.

Oriental chestnut gall wasp (OCGW), a pest of sweet chestnut trees first found in the UK in 2015, has been spotted in South-East England.

The impact of OCGW on sweet chestnut in this country is low. It poses no threat to people or animals, nor does it affect horse chestnut trees.

It can weaken sweet chestnut trees and make them vulnerable to other threats, such as drought or other pests and diseases.

England’s chestnut production industry is small, with the great majority of the chestnuts consumed in Britain imported, so supply will be unaffected.

Forestry Commission surveyors have found the species at several localities in and close to London, as well as at Farningham Woods in Kent, which was the first site found last year.

The survey across South-East England will continue into August, supported by volunteer tree health surveyors from the Observatree initiative.

Protecting borders from pests and diseases

Andy Hall, plant health manager for Forestry Commission England, said: "Protecting our country from plant pests and diseases is important for our economy, environment and health, and we and our partners in government are committed to protecting our borders from pests and diseases, and building the resilience of our trees and plants.

"The Government has invested more than £21 million into tree health research, has robust plans to deal with threats, and frequently reviews measures to minimise spread and impact."

Mr Hall said experts are looking into long-term solutions to control populations of the tiny insect, which is less than 3 millimetres long, and added:

"We cannot eliminate all risks, but we will work closely with partners and landowners in affected areas, and we are monitoring biological control trials in other countries, and researching whether these could be used in the UK.

"Meanwhile, we are encouraging sweet chestnut owners to keep an eye on their trees and report any suspected sightings using our Tree Alert pest reporting tool."

The Forestry Commission is also encouraging anyone visiting or working on woodland sites to practise good biosecurity by not removing twigs, leaves and branches, to avoid accidentally spreading the pest further afield.

This includes cleaning clothes, footwear, tools and machinery before moving to other sites.