A BOUNDARY will be created to prevent a new tree disease from spreading in the north of England. 

Forestry Commission chiefs will enforce a demarcated area in Cumbria to reduce the accidental movement of the pathogen Phytophthora Pluvialis, which has so far been found in 13 sites across the country. 

A notice will come into force on Friday and the move comes shortly after Scottish Forestry confirmed targeted inspections will take place as a preventative measure. 

READ MORE: Inspections to take place in Scotland as concern mounts over Phytophthora pluvialis

These will primarily focus on the west of the country but landowners and forest managers are being asked to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of this disease and report any suspected infections through Tree Alert.

Nicola Spence, the UK chief plant health officer, said: "We are taking swift and robust action against this finding of Phytophthora pluvialis, as part of our well-established biosecurity protocol used for tree pests and diseases.

"I urge all sectors to support efforts to tackle this pathogen by checking the health of western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees.

"Key symptoms to look for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots. Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its TreeAlert online portal.