Deadly fungus spreading on Chase
A rare plant disease is threatening to extend its reach across Cannock Chase after new outbreaks were discovered.
A rare plant disease is threatening to extend its reach across Cannock Chase after new outbreaks were discovered.
Staffordshire County Council's countryside team, supported by Natural England, has been fighting since the New Year to protect the unique wildlife habitat against the spread of the fungal type infection Phytophthora pseudosyringae.
But hopes that the spread had been contained have been dashed by the discovery of new outbreaks some distance from the previously infected areas.
Council bosses say the operation has been a prolonged and difficult one, made all the more complex as this is the first time this particular strain of the disease has been found in ground-covering bilberry.
Fourteen new infection sites have been recorded over the last two weeks, some now in the open heathland for the first time.
The county council and Natural England are now discussing more effective means of stopping the disease spreading, which may be to spray affected plants.
But this needs careful assessment as the Chase is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
County council cabinet member for countryside and environment Mike Maryon said adding systemic herbicide to the treatment arsenal may now be essential to combat the disease spread.
He said: "We are considering using glyphosate which is widely used in gardens and by farmers.
"It is harmless to wildlife but kills plants very effectively.
"If we don't kill the infected plants before the autumn spore season, the disease could spread out of control. That's why we need to hit it now.
"But we need permission to do this. Cannock Chase is an internationally important wildlife habitat and any changes in the management programme need official approval.
"We are talking to the experts at Natural England and Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs but time is running out and we need to take action as soon as we possibly can."
While the discussions continue, the council is introducing new public access controls in a large part of the heathland to the east and south of the Katyn Memorial.
Walkers, cyclists and dog walkers are asked to stick to the main paths.
Although the disease is harmless to animals, it can be spread via clothes, footwear and animal hair.
"We are doing everything we can to tackle this disease.
"We don't want to restrict access to the Chase and would only use herbicides as a last resort, but if we want to preserve this unique environment for future generations to enjoy we have to take action today," said Mr Maryon.
