Sweet Chestnut Blight
/This has been found for the first time at two sites in Devon. This will kill Sweet Chestnuts and can kill Oaks in close proximity.
Unlike Oak Processionary Moth, where it was detected in the UK and the Government failed to commit sufficient resources to keep the cat in the bag. It is a great example of Government incompetence. A larger upfront investment could have stopped a much bigger bill trying to get the horse back in the stable.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chestnutblight
The fungus Cryphonectria parasitica is spread by wind, rain, birds and insects. The Government has to be prudent, clever and wise, spend the £ now, to stop this.
Then a blueprint will exist on how to deal with other such problems.