Press Release

Oak Processionary Moth nest removal at Kew Gardens w/c 30 June 2008

Tony Kirkham, Head of the Arboretum at Kew Gardens said: "We start removing Oak Processionary Moth caterpillar nests from affected trees in Kew Gardens next week. Now is the optimum time to destroy the nests as the caterpillars have settled down to pupate - the larval stage of the moth.

"We have been working hard to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff through consistent monitoring of our Oak trees and introducing practical measures, such as sticky bands on trees, to keep the caterpillars high up in the tree canopy where they pose less of a risk to people.

"Our knowledge of Oak Processionary Moth has moved on in leaps and bounds since its first appearance in the Gardens in 2006 and our science colleagues in the Jodrell laboratory here at Kew have been researching this new pest by studying removed nests, caterpillars and moths. This work is not only vital in the fight to prevent Oak Processionary Moth spreading from west London to other parts of the UK, but also for the future management of other exotic pests and diseases that are able to thrive in the UK thanks to our warmer weather.

"We are not just using our expertise and knowledge to control and manage Oak Processionary Moth in Kew Gardens but are also one of the partner organisations involved in the Outbreak Management Team, which is led by the Forestry Commission."

Ends

For further information please contact Bronwyn Friedlander, Catherine Owen or Anna Quenby in the RBG Kew press office on 020 8332 5607 or email pr@kew.org. For out of hours press enquires please call 020 8332 5000 and a duty press officer will be contacted.

Notes to editor

The Oak Processionary Moth, which has adverse health effects on trees and humans, first appeared in south west London in 2006. After nests were found at Kew Gardens in 2006, staff at RBG Kew began working closely with the Environmental Health Agency, Defra, Forestry Research and local organisations to monitor the situation and work together to tackle the problem. Last year, 45 trees were affected on the Kew Gardens site and all nests were disposed of.

Caterpillars of the Oak Processionary Moth have short hairs that contain toxins and can be an irritant to lungs, eyes and skin, and in some cases have caused severe allergic reactions. Caterpillars begin to appear from the end of April with adults emerging between late July and September.

The Oak Processionary Moth's natural range is the Mediterranean regions of Europe. However, in recent years, its range has extended northwards, possibly as a result of climate change. It is now well established in Holland. In parts of Europe, forests are closed during summer and early autumn. It is believed that eggs of the caterpillar arrived in Britain on trees imported from mainland Europe. For further information, please see: http://www.forestry.gov.uk

For further Press information please contact: