Phytophthora Pluvialis: All the British areas where new tree disease has been found

The pathogen, which originated in Oregon, USA, affects a number of species of tree, some of which, including Douglas fir, are vital cogs in the country's forestry sector. 

READ MORE: What is Phytophthora Pluvialis? Everything we know so far

Boundaries have been set up across the UK, with restrictions on the movement of timber in a bid to slow down its rise. But it has now made its way up much of the western part of the Isles. 

We've charted its spread in our interactive map below, which shows all of the locations the disease has so far been confirmed in the UK. This includes Cumbria, Powys and the Scottish Highlands. 

You can also read a list and some more information on each nation. 

Mapping the spread of Phytophthora Pluvialis across the UK

England 

The epicentre of the disease's spread in the UK. England confirmed its arrival in a woodland in Cornwall in September 2021, where it was found to be affecting mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees. This was the first time it had been recorded in Europe. 

Since then it has spread north on the west side of the country, with the likes of Cumbria now affected. 

Nicola Spence, the UK's chief plant health officer, has said: "We are taking robust and swift action against the findings of Phytophthora pluvialis at these sites, as part of our well-established biosecurity protocol 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 out for are lesions on the stem, branch or roots. Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via its TreeAlert online portal."

• Cornwall and Devon
• Cumbria
• Herefordshire
• Surrey
• Gloucestershire
• Shropshire

Scotland 

Loch Carron

At the time of writing, P. Pluvialus has so far been confirmed in two areas of Scotland.

The first, dating to November, was near the Scottish Highlands' Loch Carron in the north west of the country. A second finding, at Argyll's Loch Awe, was revealed just months later in February. 

Of the latter, Paddy Robertson, of Scottish Forestry’s tree health team, said: “This tree disease was first found in Cornwall in September last year and has since been found in Devon, Cumbria, Wales and Scotland.

“It had never been found in the UK before so there is a lot of research taking place now, looking at the range of tree species affected here and what impact that might have on the environment and on the forestry sector.

“We are continuing our surveillance to track this disease and quickly put in place measures to prevent its spread.”

• Scottish Highlands 
• Argyll

Wales 

When it was announced that P. Pluvialis had been found in Gwynedd, it marked confirmation of its spread to every part of Mainland Britain.

The Welsh discovery, confirmed in December, was just the start, with the disease spreading more than 140 miles south since. 

Climate change minister Julie James has said: “We will continue to work with partner agencies across the UK to share information, experience and understanding to ensure a joint approach to monitoring and managing the situation.”

• Crychan
• Powys
• Gwynedd
• South East Wales
• Carmarthenshire