Trees for the chop at local forest park

Trees for the chop at local forest park

19 June 2013

AROUND 25,000 Japanese larch trees at Castlewellan Forest Park are to be felled after being infected with a deadly disease.

One hundred hectares, or one sixth, of forest are to be cleared after the highly infectious fungal pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, more commonly known as Sudden Oak Death, swept through the forest park.

The area which is in the process of being cleared is bigger than Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and concerns are growing about the danger the disease poses to the Castlewellan Arboretum, a world famous tree collection that dates back to 1740 and includes around 40 champion trees.

The deadly disease was discovered by Forest Service staff after many trees that were apparently healthy last autumn, showed symptoms during the spring. Many have already died.

Forest Service chief executive Malcolm Beatty said: “We are very disappointed about this outbreak in Castlewellan as it is further evidence that the disease is continuing to spread.

“We will clear over 100 hectares of forest to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other forest species and to recover as much of the timber as is possible.”

Mr. Beatty has also appealed to the public to help in the control of the disease.

“Castlewellan Forest Park remains open to visitors. However, they should follow the guidance detailed on signs at the affected sites. It is especially important to avoid any action which could result in the movement of infected soil or plant parts to uninfected areas,” he explained.

Mr. Beatty added: “Visitors are also urged to ensure their bicycles and footwear are free of any soil before visiting other areas. The disease presents no risk to humans or animals, although the temporary loss of habitat for wild animals is inevitable.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie expressed concerned that the Castlewellan Arboretum could be at risk from the tree disease.

“I have a particular interest in the Arboretum and I would like to see it fully developed and support by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,” she continued.

The MP added: “The Arboretum holds lots of rare species and I honestly believe, along with the Arboretum Regeneration Group, that it must be protected and developed.”

Castlewellan councillor Eamonn O’Neill has expressed “shock” at the extent of the felling operation in the Forest Park, but acknowledged the Forest Service must do what it can to curb the spread of the disease.