Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp

Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp

I’m writing to give you an update on Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp (OCGW). It has recently been found in a number of locations in and around London, indicated by the attached map.

 

The impact of OCGW on Sweet chestnut in this country is low. People should also be reassured that the wasp does not pose a human or animal health risk, as it doesn’t bite or sting. 

 

For more detailed information on OCGW – life cycle, symptoms, impact etc – please refer to the Forestry Commission website: www.forestry.gov.uk/gallwasp. Our advice is to:

 

-      Familiarise yourself with OCGW so you can identify it

-      Report findings via the Tree Alert webpage www.forestry.gov.uk/treealert

-      Avoid moving infested foliage material from sites to prevent the risk of spread of the wasp

 

If after reviewing the FC website you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. This Autumn we are looking to run an awareness event so landowners and managers can familiarise themselves with the symptoms – I will update you on this and any OCGW developments in due course.

 

Kind regards

Craig

__________________________________________________­­­_____

Craig Harrison         FICFor BSc(hons) Dip Mnt

Forestry Commission London Manager 

: craig.harrison@forestry.gov.uk  www.forestry.gov.uk/london

( 07990 563001

+ Area 1C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR

      @CraigHarrisonFC