FORESTRY bosses have said they believe Phytophthora ramorum is under control across most of Scotland. 

Officials say 'swift felling' of affected trees in priority areas - including the north of the country - has effectively limited the spread of the disease, with around 40,000 hectares of the nation's larch 'still unaffected'. 

First found in Scotland in 2002, P. ramorum has since aggressively spread up the west coast, where the wetter and warmer climate is known to be favourable to it.  

READ MORE: Phytophthora ramorum: Larch to be removed from disease's UK 'epicentre'

And following extensive surveys of more than one million ha of forests this year, Scottish Forestry chiefs have announced the disease appears to be under control. 

Forestry Journal: A forest affected by the disease A forest affected by the disease

James Nott, head of Tree Health for Scottish Forestry, said: “With over two thirds (over 40,000 ha) of Scotland’s larch resource still unaffected by P. ramorum, management efforts will continue to be concentrated in the Priority Action Zone (PAZ) of eastern and northern Scotland.

"Surveys in these areas have demonstrated clearly that swift felling of affected trees is an effective and realistic control method.  

“In the areas of the south and west of Scotland, where the disease has been established for a number of years, forest managers are taking a more strategic approach to managing the disease, and are encouraged to use proactive management through the forest plan process.

“The efforts across the sector in tackling this disease is a credit to the range of professionals involved.”

Across Scotland, a total of 613 larch sites have so far been identified for field survey in 2022, with 67 reports from forest owners and managers.

After review by a group of stakeholders and scientific advisers, including representatives from CONFOR, Forest Research, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and Scotland’s Chief plant health officer, the current controls set out in 2020/2021 will remain unchanged.

As we told previously, FLS officials have announced they will remove all larch from the disease's epicentre, in the south west of the country. 

Mr Nott added: “We can all do our bit to help stop pests and diseases spreading, whether you are a forester or a member of the public. Tree diseases can be spread on machinery, vehicles, clothing, bike tyres and even on dogs paws, so everyone should 'Keep it Clean' before visiting a forest.”

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