Clearfell Harvesting to remove Infected Larch after Statutory Plant Health Notice Issued

Euroforest and Blacklock Harvesting are currently working on a Larch clearfell which has been issued with a statutory plant health notice due to the presence of the tree disease, Phytophthora ramorum. The disease which starts as blackening of the needles, eventually leads to stem dieback and ultimately the death of the tree. During this process, the disease will continue to spread to other nearby trees and shrubs, and it is therefore imperative infected trees are removed as a matter of urgency. 

 3,000 tonnes of Infected Larch are being harvested on the site near Helensburgh in Argyll & Bute, which runs alongside a stretch of the popular coast to coast trail, The John Muir Way.  The path will remain open throughout the harvesting works, with dedicated banksmen on site when machines are working close to the path who may ask users to wait a short time until it is safe to pass.  Euroforest’s Area Manager, Chris Wood, has been working closely with the team from The John Muir Way to ensure users are aware of the harvesting works taking place.  Additional biosecurity measures have been put in place to minimise the further spread of the disease during the harvesting operation, with all timber being moved under license.