Pests, diseases and Climate Change - News and Articles
Toll Wood Trust objective.... - Begin planting new trees before our own trees die - succession planting with Climate Change and disease resilience in mind. Appendix 4 of our ten-year Woodland Management Plan. |
From time to time we find news and articles that may be of interest for deeper reading.
Key Message: buy from trustworthy UK nurseries. Check public registers and ask the nursery about the source of their trees (that includes the seed they use). For example, the Forest Nurseries Directory, Plant Healthy Scheme, the RHS also offers guidance.
Or, of course, you can support our ambition to build stocks of saplings from Toll Wood seed and cuttings - for succession planting in the wood as well as for use locally.
Biosecurity
The Times (28th February 2026), ran a story about Brompton Cemetery felling of 40 Holm Oaks and more in nearby parks. This is a case where imported pests get a "free lunch" as there are no natural defences. Individual people can be at fault when plants are imported from overseas nurseries or from the wild.
Many of us remember the onslaught of "Dutch" Elm Disease on our countryside. In the 1970s we lost magnificent gnarled ancient elms in our countryside and parks. Ash dieback is another example – although some ash trees are resisting.
Brompton Cemetery, West London, is one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries. Established by Act of Parliament and laid out in 1839, it opened in 1840. In 1852 it became part of Crown property.
More than 40 ancient holm oaks are being felled after an infestation of Nidularia pulvinata. a Mediterranean sap-sucking insect that weakens and kills trees. So far, half of these ancient oaks have been felled. The work is due to finish by the end of March. But more will be felled as the disease spreads or as a preventative measure.
The pest was first spotted in the UK in 2024 and has since spread across the 39-acre site. Now spotted in nearby boroughs, including Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham. Experts have concluded there is no effective treatment.
This loss is felt keenly by residents (and wildlife). When these events happen, the only way forward is "succession planting" of disease resistant species or different tree species. This idea is an important Trust objective in managing Toll Wood too. Perhaps including more diverse, climate-resilient species. Preferably native, but keeping an open mind if circumstances dictate in the future.
"Officials believe the insect was most likely introduced through private planting, cut foliage, or wreaths left on graves, prompting stricter enforcement of planting rules." (The Times)
A selection for further reading:-
- The Community Tree Nurseries Initiative. Forest Research supports the principle of using locally appropriate and sourced trees for safe planting and community involvement.
- Buying: trees and shrubs: RHS Advice Guide. Buying a new tree or shrub can be very exciting, but also confusing. Whether buying a bare-root, rootballed or containerised plant, it is important to consider factors such as size, root and canopy health, suitability for the garden and retailer guarantees.