Updated: Oak Processionary Moth found in Berkshire

Post date: Nov 4, 2010 10:30:43 AM

Mark Calway has alerted me to the discovery of Oak Processionary Moth in Berkshire - a new species for the county but an extremely unwelcome one. It's been reported from oak trees at Pangbourne.

Wokingham Borough Council have got some information on their website with links to further advice.

This moth poses a real risk to human health as well as being a defoliator of oak trees, and is likely to lead to the need for drastic pest control measures, as well as giving moths an even worse image with the general public than they have already, so it is to be hoped that this infestation can be destroyed. If you do find any signs of Oak Processionary anywhere please report it immediately to Forest Research (01420 22255 or email christine.tilbury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk), but stay well clear of the caterpillars and their webs, which can cause serious irritation to the skin, eyes and bronchial tubes of humans and animals, and can be spread by the wind if disturbed.

UPDATE @ 10 November:

Martin Townsend confirms that he has visited the site near Pangbourne and that it is definitely Oak Processionary. Martin says:

"Larval nests of Oak Processionary were found near Pangbourne a few weeks ago. It was almost certainly from an imported tree planted in winter 2007-08 (i.e. extremely unlikely to be spread from London) and currently appears to be restricted to a fairly small area, but of course there may be egg batches further out. Over 40 nests have so far been located, but it is unclear as to how many of those were from this year, as they are remarkably robust. I would reiterate that it is very unadvisable to handle larvae or nests, and it is illegal to take them home. As a Statutory Pest it can only be held at a licenced facility."

If anyone thinks they have found Oak Processionary elsewhere in Berkshire please contact Forest Research as detailed above, or contact Martin Townsend direct.