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Just saw this notification on a Facebook group run by the GLASS rep for the area around Strata Florida (at least I think thats the case!) and I reckon it would be a good idea to spread the word to anyone green laning in the near future.
31 May 2012
Update on the Phytophthora ramorum disease in the forests of South Wales
This bulletin concerns the forests in Neath Port Talbot, and principally includes the lower Sarn Helen byway and routes in the neighbouring Afan Valley.
The disease continues to be a problem despite extensive felling of infected woodland. Motorised users are asked to make themselves aware of biosecurity measures imposed to limit the spread of the disease.
It is important to realise the disease is not yet widespread across all forest in South Wales, but varies from woodland to woodland; one wood may be infected, whilst the next may be infection free.
Routes crossing Forestry Commission land are signposted on a route-by-route basis.
Biosecurity notices have been erected ONLY when the disease is CONFIRMED to be PRESENT on that route.
There is evidence to show that the disease has also been spread by human
intervention by physically transferring the Phytophthora ramorum spores from an infected area to a clean area across Wales. We would ask that all motorised users take reasonable measures to clean down their vehicles to remove all traces of forest debris that the Phytophthora ramorum spores could be attached to. This should be completed when they leave any forest or heathland in Wales and ensure that the vehicles are clean before entering another forest or heathland. This approach should be adopted across the UK to help prevent the spread of the disease to non infected areas.
Current situation:
No route is currently subject to a closure order.
Motorised users are asked to voluntarily restrain from using routes that cross infected woodland and to thoroughly wash their vehicles after visiting the area.
The local infection hotspot centres on the Afan Valley, and in particular Mynydd Penhydd (mountain). Routes in that area are marked with biosecurity notices.
The lower Sarn Helen route and the surrounding forests of Resolven and Rheola show no infection in the vicinity of the byway (which can be driven safely.)
The disease has spread nationwide, however, in South Wales, biosecurity measures are in place in the forests to the West of the A470.
More information on the disease can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website.
Update on the Phytophthora ramorum disease in the forests of South Wales
This bulletin concerns the forests in Neath Port Talbot, and principally includes the lower Sarn Helen byway and routes in the neighbouring Afan Valley.
The disease continues to be a problem despite extensive felling of infected woodland. Motorised users are asked to make themselves aware of biosecurity measures imposed to limit the spread of the disease.
It is important to realise the disease is not yet widespread across all forest in South Wales, but varies from woodland to woodland; one wood may be infected, whilst the next may be infection free.
Routes crossing Forestry Commission land are signposted on a route-by-route basis.
Biosecurity notices have been erected ONLY when the disease is CONFIRMED to be PRESENT on that route.
There is evidence to show that the disease has also been spread by human
intervention by physically transferring the Phytophthora ramorum spores from an infected area to a clean area across Wales. We would ask that all motorised users take reasonable measures to clean down their vehicles to remove all traces of forest debris that the Phytophthora ramorum spores could be attached to. This should be completed when they leave any forest or heathland in Wales and ensure that the vehicles are clean before entering another forest or heathland. This approach should be adopted across the UK to help prevent the spread of the disease to non infected areas.
Current situation:
No route is currently subject to a closure order.
Motorised users are asked to voluntarily restrain from using routes that cross infected woodland and to thoroughly wash their vehicles after visiting the area.
The local infection hotspot centres on the Afan Valley, and in particular Mynydd Penhydd (mountain). Routes in that area are marked with biosecurity notices.
The lower Sarn Helen route and the surrounding forests of Resolven and Rheola show no infection in the vicinity of the byway (which can be driven safely.)
The disease has spread nationwide, however, in South Wales, biosecurity measures are in place in the forests to the West of the A470.
More information on the disease can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website.