Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Spraying blitz on toxic moth caterpillar





However, they will “probably recolonise” the areas of Pangbourne woodland being targetted.
A helicopter will spray the area in a bid to eradicate the caterpillars of the Oak Processionary Moth, whose hairs can cause rashes and, in rarer cases, nose and throat problems.
Last week conservationists condemned the exercise for fear it could strip the area of other insect life vital to the ecosystem and not just the intended target.
The site near Pangbourne is an important refuge for wildlife and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare butterflies such as the Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral, with the Purple Emperor and Scarlet Tiger Moth regularly seen in the vicinity.
Moths play a vital role in the food chain and are important food for birds and bats, many of which rely on moth caterpillars to feed their young.
However, this week a spokesman for the Forestry Commission, Charlton Clark, told Newburytoday: “The spray might affect caterpillars of other species if they are present at the time of spraying, but those species affected are expected to recolonise the woodland afterwards from similar surrounding areas.”
He added that the spraying will be undertaken when there is little or no wind, “so spray drift is unlikely to extend more than about 50 metres, with
downdraft from the helicopter's rotors driving the spray down into the trees.”
Asked if local people should stay indoors during spraying, Mr Clark replied: “The treatment product is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, and is harmless to humans and animals such as dogs, cats and farm animals, so there is no need for people to stay indoors.
“However, some local people might wish to take a personal decision to stay indoors during the spraying, and for a few minutes afterwards, for added peace of mind. The spraying operation should last only about quarter of an hour. We will briefly close the woodland to visitors during the spraying operation as a safety precaution while the helicopter is flying overhead.”
Critics had suggested that the original strategy of targetting individual caterpillars infestations from the ground had been working but Mr Clark said: “The confirmed presence of a nest in the woodland last year is strong evidence that eggs have been laid on other oak trees in the woodland and will hatch this year.
“They are very difficult to find in the woodland environment, and very difficult to treat effectively from the ground, especially because early in the caterpillar stage they live very high in the trees. Therefore aerial spraying is the only realistic way to be sure of effective treatment in these circumstances.”
The main, 10-hectare (25-acre) area to be treated comprises Herridge’s and Broom Copses.
Another privately owned 1ha (2.5-acre) block of trees nearby will also be treated and a helicopter will spray the woodland twice over a seven to 14-day period.












This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More