Notices and Announcements
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
We currently have vacancies for members of the committee.
(Board of Trustees to give its official title.)
We would welcome new members. Any member of 'The Friends' interested in joining the committee, please use the 'Contact Us' page on this website
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NEXT EVENT
Saturday 12th July - 7.00 p.m.

RIDE WITH ROGER
A chance to ride in a Bodmin & Wenford Railway brake van behind a steam locomotive.
Tickets £15.00 per head (including members)
Booking essential by 4th July. Tel: 01726 850072
Pasties & drinks can be ordered at time of booking for an additional charge.
Meet: Bodmin General Station. Map ref: SX 073 664
For reasons of safety - No dogs please
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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. 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; over the past few weeks contractors, working on behalf of DEFRA and Restormel Borough Council, have been undertaking clearance of rhododendrons in the valley. The situation will now need to be monitored for at least four years and will include regrowth of rhododendrons as well as other shrubs such as bilberry.
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.
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 Restormel Borough Council (See ‘Links’)
Thanks for your help.
Updated: 19th June 2008
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