Taskforce launched to prevent tree killer in the Belfast Hills

Though no infections have been recorded, wooded areas such as Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle estate, Carnmoney Hill and Colin Glen Forest Park are being closely examined for signs of disease.

Sudden Oak Death or Phytophthora ramorum is a plant disease caused by a fungus-like pathogen. The main target of attack is Japanese larch (pictured) on which the disease was first detected in Northern Ireland earlier this year.

Sudden Oak Death has potential to attack a wide range of woody plants and could cause significant damage to woodland and other habitat.

The audit to protect against the spread of the virus in the Belfast Hills comes as seven woodlands in Northern Ireland have so far been affected.

The disease, which despite its name does not attack oak trees, is thought to have been in woodlands in Northern Ireland as far back as 2007. It can be spread on footwear, by dogs and animals, vehicle wheels, tools and machinery, by the movement of infected plants and in rain, mists and air currents.
 
Belfast Hills Partnership Manager Jim Bradley said: "Japanese larch in the Belfast Hills, and rhododendron that act as a reservoir host, are being closely scrutinised and urgent consultation with woodland owners is in progress. Woodland managers have been urged to report any premature browning of foliage.

"It should be emphasised that Japanese larch is usually planted in small numbers within mixed woodland so only makes up a minor proportion of our woods in the Belfast Hills. However it is still a vital part of a habitat we don't have enough of. We are hopeful we can avoid this devastating disease reaching the Belfast Hills for some time to come."

Sudden Oak Death Fact File

Sudden Oak Death attacks the leaves and trunks of susceptible species. It was first recorded in April 2002 at a garden centre in Britain.

Outbreaks have been confirmed in forests at Bohill, Glenarm, Carrickfergus, Woodburn, Ballyboley, Glenwherry and at private land on the estate of Lord Rathcavan at Broughshane.

It has since infected shrubs including rhododendrons, viburnums and bilberries.

The disease causes new shoots and foliage to wilt and the tips of needles to turn yellow-brown.

Eventually the needles turn black and fall off after which the tree dies.

The main method of preventing further spread of the fungal spores is to fell all larch in any infected woodland.

The Belfast Hills are made up of private farming land and upland health, wooded valleys and rivers. The public sites managed include Divis and Black Mountain, Carnmoney Hill, Cave Hill Country Park, Slievenacloy Nature Reserve and Colin Glen Forest Park.