Imports of sweet chestnut trees from areas affected by a fungal blight will be banned, the environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has said.
Owen Paterson has moved quickly after announcing the launch of a six week consultation on banning the import of sweet chestnut trees in May.
Now he has said a ban is likely by the autumn.
"I’m taking action to protect our sweet chestnut trees by bringing in rules to ban the import of trees from areas in Europe where they have sweet chestnut blight ahead of the planting season," said Owen Paterson.
"Tree health is one of my top priorities and I’m determined to act swiftly to protect our woodland and the thriving economy that relies on it."
Sweet chestnut trees are widespread on the lighter soils of southern Britain where it has been an important coppice species.
And 18,000 sweet chestnuts were imported to the UK in the first four months of 2013.
In an attempt to tackle tree disease the government has already introduced tighter controls on the import of oak, ash and plane trees.
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