Tree felling at Goyt Valley to stop disease

Tree felling is taking place at Goyt Valley. Larch trees in a large area are being felled in response to an outbreak of the tree disease Phytophthora Ramorum (P Ramorum). Cutting down the trees is important to help prevent the disease spreading and killing other trees and plants. The felling is taking place as the area has been served with a Statutory Plant Health Notice. 

P Ramorum is a non-native, fungus-like organism first discovered in the UK in 2002. It causes disease on trees, shrubs and plants in woodland, heathland, gardens and nurseries. Infection happens when spores are dispersed in moisture, including moist air currents so it’s essential that affected trees are removed to prevent more spores being produced. Larch trees are known as the worst transmitter of the disease but sweet chestnut and rhododendron are also included in the plant health notice and will also be removed.

The areas affected will be re-planted with tree species that are resilient to the disease to help keep a healthy forest in Goyt Valley for generations to come. Timber from the felled trees is being used where possible for construction, fencing materials, pallet wood and biomass. The work is a medium- to long-term project and during this time areas of car parking may be temporarily closed and rights of way restricted to keep the public safe during felling.  

Local forester for Forestry England, Chris Bray, updates us:

“Work continues to progress well in the Goyt Valley as we respond to the Statutory Plant Health Notice. We have been busy working in the Goyts Clough and Stakeside  areas of the forest to remove as much as we can, along with some sweet chestnut and rhododendron.

We are working closely with our contractors to fix the ground as much as possible and allow the public to safely access the affected areas once again as quickly as possible. Once the timber has been uplifted we will be working on the site to reinstate existing drainage and tracks to protect the surrounding habitat.

Our thanks go to the visitors to Goyt Valley for their understanding during these works and urge them to continue to follow any safety notices and diversions in place.”