Two of the leading conservation charities in the UK – the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland - have today warned that, unless two new plant diseases Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae (otherwise known as ‘sudden oak death’) are effectively controlled, gardens and heathland across the UK could be seriously threatened in the next two decades.
This new warning in a joint letter from the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland to Environment Ministers in London and Edinburgh comes as Phytophthora kernoviae has been found on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) at two sites in Cornwall and on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Vaccinium, or blaeberry in Scotland, is a native plant to the UK and an integral part of our internationally important heathland supporting around 90 Biodiversity Action Plan species.
During the last five years the National Trust has had had first-hand experience of dealing with these diseases. It is only in the last year that the disease has been confirmed at National Trust for Scotland sites. Until now, these virulent plant diseases have been confined to our heritage gardens. Rhododendron ponticum has been the main host for this disease and it continues to threaten rare and historically important woody plants. The disease has also been shown to affect heather in laboratory tests.
Ian Wright, the National Trust’s lead advisor on Phytophthora, said:
'The fact that Phytophthora kernoviae has made the jump to heathland is deeply worrying. It has been estimated that within twenty years this plant disease could be in every garden in the UK and have a severe impact on our lowland and upland heath.'
The joint letter asks that the UK government and Scottish government to provide new additional funding and support to help understand disease and control its spread. Money is also needed to help clear Rhododendron ponticum, which acts as a host for these two new plant diseases.
Jan Haenraets, Head of Gardens and Designed Landscapes at the National Trust for Scotland, said:
'Without concrete action the spread of these diseases poses a real threat to our native plants and species in our gardens, woodlands and heathland. This would have a serious knock on effect for the environment and local economies.'
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