Trees felled as Midland beauty spot ravaged by plant disease Part of Lickey Hills cleared as threat grows
SCORES of trees have been felled at one of Birmingham’s most famous beauty spots. The cause is a plant disease that is said to be “a major threat” to the Lickey Hills woodland and heathland alike.
The aggressive disease, Phytophthora ramorum, was first identified in the area in 2011 in a routine survey by the Food and Environment Research Agency.
The disease was initially identified in Rhododendron, Bilberry and later in Larch and Sweet Chestnut.
After a Statutory Plant Health notice was issued, infected plants and plants of the same species nearby were treated with herbicide, cut down and burnt.
All visitors are now asked to stick to paths and to clean their boots and bicycle wheels. Even dog own- ers are being advised to wash their pet’s paws after each visit.
Walker Michael Wright, from Northfield, was taken aback when he saw the cleared land for himself.
“I can understand the science behind them wanting to protect the Bilberry, but it’s still a shocking sight to see just how many trees have been cut down,” he said.
“What I would worry about now is whether it will increase the risk of flooding.
“The thing that trees are really good at is soaking up lots of water after heavy rain.”
The Lickey Hills is unique in the area, with flora and fauna restricted to the undeveloped habitat.
A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: “We have felled some trees within Lickey Hills Country Park – including Sweet Chestnut trees – which had become diseased with Phytophthora ramorum.
“Other conifers and larch, which is susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, were removed to reduce the risk of further infection and to prevent the wider spread of Phytophthora ramorum disease in Bilberry across the Lickey Hills.
“We are continuing to work with the Food and Environment Research Agency, The Forestry Commission, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Authority to manage the outbreak.”