Top tips for protecting nature

As the summer approaches, the Forestry Commission is asking people to help limit spreadable tree and plant disease. The orgaanisation’s “Keep it Clean” campaign invites walkers and ramblers to observe a couple of guidelines when out and about in the countryside. Firstly, always brush mud and leaves from the bottom of your boots between visits to different parks, gardens and woodlands. Secondly, wash off mud from bikes and buggies between visits. The Forestry Commission’s head of tree health, Andy Hall, said: “Simple steps like cleaning your bikes, boots and buggies between visits will reduce the risk of spreading plant diseases from place to place in mud, leaves and water – so that our trees and plants will thrive for generations to come. ”Part of the campaign is an attempt to limit the spread of Phytophthoras, a pathogen that especially affects larch trees found in the south-west of England. The pathogen is especially dangerous because it can survive for more than a year in soil and dead leaves. Simon Toomer , the National Trust’s national specialist for plant conservation, praised Britain’s diverse nature, added: “We support this campaign’s ambition to encourage all our visitors to do everything they can to help preserve our rich plant heritage.”

For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/ beeh-a6tek3