Beech Trees in Danger.

Phytophthora kernoviae is a fungal type pathogen which was first seen in Cornwall in 2003 and has since spread into Devon, South Wales, Cheshire and Scotland, but has not, so far, been reported in Dorset.
 Beach trees are one of the species affected and symptoms are bark lesions and necrosis (blackening and death) of leaves and stems. It is disturbing therefore that one of the beaches on the Church Green is showing darkening of the stems and leaves at the ends of branches, which could be consistent with necrosis rather than normal autumnal browning. The fungus is easily spread and the danger must be that it may infest the Copper Beach in Hardy Close and also the tree in the Manor House grounds, which could well be the oldest, as well as the largest tree in the village.

Necrosis of Church Green Beach.         Photo' John Elliott

This is a young tree which may well have to join the two Cherry trees which have recently been removed, as well as the Chestnut, which is infected with the micro moth Horse-chestnut Leaf Miner, Cameraria ohridella. The brown patches are where the minute larvae have been eating away at the inner parts of the leaves.