The fight against a deadly plant disease plaguing historic gardens, woodland and heathlands across England and Wales received a significant boost today as Environment Minister Jane Kennedy announced £25 million to help eradicate the disease.
The funding will support a five-year programme to manage and contain the risks of two plant diseases Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae from spreading further, following a scientific review and stakeholder consultation.
Announcing the funding at the National Trust site at Nymans Gardens in Sussex, Ms Kennedy said:
"These lethal diseases are having a detrimental effect in pristine locations, which in turn could have a detrimental effect on our local tourism industry, and our own lifestyles.
"Defra, the Forestry Commission and local authorities are currently tackling outbreaks across England and Wales including the New Forest, the south west of England, and Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. These are significant tourist hot spots that could face a drop in visitor numbers if we don't act now.
"Many of us escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the fresh air in our beautiful countryside.
"But if this disease spreads, it could mean parts of the countryside being cordoned off, and more limited public access - in addition to further loss of our precious woodland.
"That's why we've announced this significant funding to help combat these diseases and safeguard our woodlands for the future."
The programme is a result of an external scientific peer review and a public consultation which concluded that more should be done to try to manage the impact of the disease.
