Scottish Forestry to impose movement restricts after discovery of Phytophthora pluvialis in the north west of Scotland

Scottish Forestry to impose movement restricts after discovery of Phytophthora pluvialis in the north west of Scotland - Scottish Forestry / Forestry Commission

Phytophthora Pluvialis Image: Forestry commission — Phytophthora Pluvialis (Image: Forestry Commission)

Woodland managers, landowners, the forest industry and tree nurseries are being urged to be vigilant following the discovery of P.pluvialis near Loch Carron in the north west of Scotland.

Following this finding, Scottish Forestry will introduce a demarcated area around the infected site to help avoid accidental spread of the pathogen.

P.pluvialis is a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species (in particular radiata pine).

It is reported to cause needle cast (where needles turn brown and fall off), shoot dieback, and lesions on the stem, branches, and roots.

It was found for the first time in the UK in 2021 on western hemlock and Douglas fir and has now been detected in Devon, Cornwall and Cumbria in England and now near Loch Carron in Scotland.

For more information on P. pluvialis a symptom guide has been prepared based on what has been observed in England. Landowners are asked to report any suspect trees via TreeAlert.