Northern Ireland

Chris Hazzard calls for action following suspected disease outbreak at Rostrevor Forest

Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard has called for urgent action. Picture by Hugh Russell
Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard has called for urgent action. Picture by Hugh Russell Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard has called for urgent action. Picture by Hugh Russell

SINN Féin's Chris Hazzard last night called for urgent action following a suspected disease outbreak at Rostrevor Forest.

The South Down MP said thousands of larch and fir trees appear to be dying.

Mr Hazzard said he has asked the Environment Minister Edwin Poots to take "immediate" steps to protect the Rostrevor native oak wood.

"It has become evident in recent weeks that thousands of larch and fir trees appear to be dying in Rostrevor Forest," he said.

"From looking at the expanding brown patching in the plantation it is not clear if this has been caused by disease, but it would appear to be P-Ramorum, more commonly known as sudden larch disease.

"I have asked the minister to confirm the cause of this incident as a matter of urgency and ensure that an appropriate assessment is carried out in order to protect the nearby native oak wood as the P-Ramorum pathogen is likely to spread quite aggressively."

Mr Hazzard added: "I’ve also asked the minister to allow native trees to reseed in the affected area, as these will not only be much more resistant to invasive pathogens, but will also offer an exciting opportunity to move away from the non-native species that currently blight the landscape.

"In redesigning our local landscape in such a fashion we can help improve biodiversity, encourage much needed rewilding, and proactively nurture the local woodland in the interests of wildlife.

"This would also be a fantastic learning environment and would be a great opportunity if it were to be realised."