Scottish Forestry - Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland

Phytophthora ramorum regulations, information and advice

Phytophthora ramorum (P. ramorum) was first found in Scottish plant nurseries in 2002 and in gardens and parks in 2007. The first infection on Scottish larch trees was confirmed in 2010. P. ramorum is capable of causing extensive mortality in larch trees, particularly in the wetter west of Scotland.

Disease spread

We conduct helicopter surveillance and follow up ground surveys of symptomatic larch to detect and control new outbreaks and to monitor the spread of P. ramorum on larch. The outbreak update map shows the progression of the disease. Outside the Management Zone, P. ramorum has not been detected in over 90% of the larch in Scotland, underlining why continued control actions are necessary to slow down the rate, extent and severity of disease expansion.

Our action plan

A formal review of P. ramorum on larch action plan was carried out over the winter of 2020/21, including stakeholders from the forestry sector. The revised Phytophthora ramorum action plan was published in June 2021. A summary of the different action zones outlined in the plan can be found below.

Priority Action Zone (PAZ)

Is the area where actions will have the greatest impact on controlling spread of P. ramorum. Outbreaks to date have been limited in scale and control efforts have been successful at eradicating infections on larch. Prioritisation of survey and regulatory efforts will ensure Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) are issued quickly, with felling needed, wherever possible, before the end of August in the year it was found.

Risk Reduction Zone (RRZ)

Is the area where spread and scale of infection is beyond what can be controlled locally with available resources. The main aim is now to reduce the risk of P. ramorum to the sector. Statutory actions in the form of SPHNs will continue to be used as the main tool to ensure consistency of control efforts across the range of land ownerships.

Management Zone (MZ)

An area in south-west Scotland at the heart of a major surge of P. ramorum on larch in 2013 was designated* as a Management Zone by the Plant Health (Forestry) (Phytophthora ramorum Management Zone) Order 2014. Within this zone the disease was too advanced to stop its spread within the area, so efforts have been focused on tackling new outbreaks in Scotland outside the Management Zone.

Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs)

SPHNs are issued requiring the felling of larch trees infected with P. ramorum plus larch within a 250 metre buffer zone everywhere in Scotland outside the Management Zone. SPHNs for P. ramorum are generally not issued inside the Management Zone, in order to allow the phased removal of larch within the capacity of the forestry sector to harvest and process the timber.

P. ramorum can also cause disease in Rhododendron ponticum. The spread of spores from infected rhododendron, although on a smaller scale than larch, can still contribute to disease spread. SPHNs issued where infection of rhododendron with P. ramorum is confirmed require the removal of infected rhododendron plants plus rhododendron within a 2 metre buffer zone.

Wood movement and processing licences

You must apply for a movement licence to remove wood from a site issued with an SPHN or to move larch material from within the Management Zone to any site outside it. Wood from SPHN sites or wood moving from within the Management Zone to a site outside it can only go to a facility that holds a processing licence to handle it. Information on applying for movement or processing licences can be found on the Forest Research website or contact us for support.

Biosecurity

Phytophthora ramorum can be spread in mud or needles stuck to footwear and machine, vehicle, bicycle or buggy tyres. Please follow biosecurity guidance to help stop P. ramorum disease spreading.

Land managers can download posters highlighting actions forestry workers and members of the public can take to minimise the risk of spreading Phytophthora ramorum.

Download the disease biosecurity poster for forest workers in A3
Download the disease biosecurity poster for forest workers in A4
Download the Phytophthora ramorum disease biosecurity poster for the public in A3
Download the Phytophthora ramorum disease biosecurity poster for the public in A4

Reporting suspected sightings of P. ramorum outside the Management Zone

If you suspect a forest or woodland might be infected, or you have noticed suspicious symptoms, please report it without delay to our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a description, location and digital images if possible. If you own or manage a woodland, please maintain vigilance and inspect your woods regularly, particularly where larch and/or rhododendron is present.

Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland