ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE

It’s very short notice, but Bruce Rothnie Plant Health Team Manager at the  Forestry Commission has sent us this open invite regarding the Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation in Kent.

Many of you will be aware that the first recorded infestation of ALB in the UK has recently been discovered at a site north of Paddock Wood in Kent. This non-native insect poses a significant threat to the health of broadleaved trees in the UK and the Forestry Commission and Fera (Food and Environment Research Agency) are currently working on site to determine the extent of the infestation and plan necessary measures to eradicate the pest.

It is possible that this pest may be more widespread and we need to enlist the help of professionals who are regularly working with trees in urban, garden or woodland situations in the South East to be vigilant and alert us immediately of further suspect outbreaks.

There is a growing amount of information about ALB on government websites but there is no substitute for observing the symptoms of attack first hand. The FC is therefore giving an open invitation to any tree surgeons,tree officers or tree wardens to visit the infected site at 6pm on Thursday 12th April for a briefing on the pest and to see the infestation symptoms before felling and destruction work commences. FC/Fera officers and Forest Research entomologisits will be on hand to answer questions.

The meeting point for the evening is a field (Grid Ref: TQ 674 469) adjacent and west of the B2160 (Maidstone Road) about 1.5km north of Paddock Wood, and approximately 150m south of the roundabout where the B2160 meets the A228. There is a small industrial yard on the opposite side of the road utilised by the ice-cream maker Taywells and their post code is TN12 6PY.

Bruce Rothnie Plant Health Team Manager, Forestry Commission.