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Friends Of Luxulyan ValleyFriends Of Luxulyan ValleyFriends Of Luxulyan ValleyFriends Of Luxulyan ValleyFriends Of Luxulyan ValleyFriends Of Luxulyan Valley

Notices and News

Latest  update: 9th May 2012

 

For  the latest infomation on the Carmears Tramway Footpath improvements.  Go to "Carmears Path" page. 


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NEXT EVENT

Sunday 20th May 2012 -9.00  am

Bird Watching with Sid Cole

See 'Events' page for details


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MOTOR CYCLES IN THE VALLEY

The illegal use of motorcycles in the valley is a growing problem please have a look at the special 'Motorcycles' page in this section.

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GROUP EVENTS

If you are thinking of organising an event in the valley involving significant numbers of people please visit our 'Group Events' page in this section.

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NEXT WORK PARTY 

 

 

No work parties are currently planned. Come back to this website for future dates and details.

 

 

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PHYTOPHTHORA

 

Phytophthora is a fungus-like disease of vegetation spread by spores. Its common name is ‘Sudden Oak Death’ but it is not confined to Oak. It will, in fact, attack a large number of species.  There are two main varieties: P. ramorum, which has existed in the USA and Europe for some years, and a new strain, originating in Cornwall – P. kernoviae.  The kernoviae strain is more virulent than ramorum.There are other varieties of Phytophthora, potato blight being a common one. P. ramorum and P. kernoviae are the two which are affecting a wide variety of native and non native shrubs and trees

The disease attacks many plants, particularly certain shrubs and trees, including those found in public and domestic gardens.  It will be appreciated that the effect on forestry, nurseries and ornamental gardens could be serious.  The trees are infected by contact with infected shrubs and in both cases the infection is usually fatal.  The presence of the disease has been detected in Luxulyan Valley.  The most common culprit as a primary host in the undergrowth is rhododendron.  For this reason; in 2008 contractors, working on behalf of DEFRA and Restormel Borough Council cleared large areas of rhododendrons in the valley. In 2009 it was confirmed that Phytophthora was found in the bilberry plants in the valley. Unlike the rhododendron the bilberry is a native plant and so at present no decision has been made to totally clear it.

Following reorganisation by DEFRA, the authority now responsible for plant health and the Phytophthora issue is FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency). The Forestry Commission are also taking a lead role due to its effect on trees. It was discovered in 2009 that larch trees are getting the disease direct, that is, not from rhododendron.

FERA scientist (based in York) are carrying out experiments on the bilberry in the Luxulyan Valley, which is a primary host (i.e. not contracting it from rhododendron but getting it direct), to try and find out more about this disease and how it can be controlled and/or eradicated. Local FERA plant health inspectors are monitoring the situation weekly and the situation will be constantly monitored at least until 2012

 

How can you help?

Naturally we are concerned that your enjoyment of the valley is not spoiled.  However, by taking certain precautions now, we can help prevent the further spread of the disease and also preserve the health of the trees and other vegetation in the valley itself.  For the foreseeable future, therefore, we request that you observe the following guidelines:
 

  • Park in recognised car parks
  • Keep yourself and any dogs to footpaths.  This may involve keeping the dog on a lead. We know this is a blow but it may prevent more stringent controls being imposed.
  • As far as possible clean boots before and after visiting the Valley.  This will help to prevent the spread of the infection to other places including your own garden.
  • Do not bring in or take out cuttings of any shrubs or trees.

Bio-security measures will be on going for the foreseeable future.

We hope that observance of these guidelines, at this stage, will be all that is necessary.  We would hate to see restrictions on access.

Please do all you can to comply.  For further information please visit the websites of DEFRA, The Forestry Commission or Cornwall Council (See ‘Links’) Thanks for your help.

This item updated: 7th August 2010

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