The London Tree Officers Association has said that Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) larvae has been observed emerging recently, signalling the start of the control period.
Sightings have occurred as follows:
- 8th April, Kew Gardens (observed on Turner’s Oak, a hybrid of Quercus ilex and Q. robur)
- 10th April, Richmond Park
Spraying of the affected areas is set to take place, undertaken by the Forestry Commission while tree owners and others are being asked to look out for the larvae.
The main areas in London suffering from possible outbreaks are the boroughs of Richmond Upon Thames and Hammersmith & Fulham, and parts of the boroughs of Ealing, Hounslow, Kingston Upon Thames, Merton and Wandsworth.
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