This dataset shows the policy zones defined in Scottish Forestry's Phytophthora ramorum (P. ramorum) Action Plan and introduced in 2021. There are two zones; a priority action zone, and a risk reduction zone. There is also a P. ramorum Management Zone which lies within the risk reduction zone, but this can be found in a separate dataset.
P. ramorum is a fungus-like pathogen which causes extensive damage and mortality to a wide range of trees and other plants. It was first detected in GB in the nursery trade in 2002 and then in established gardens in 2007. It was not until 2009 that ramorum was found to be infecting Japanese larch in south west England, and the first confirmed infection on larch in Scotland was found in November 2010 on the Craignish peninsula. P. ramorum on larch causes needle necrosis, shoot dieback, bleeding cankers and death of trees – which can be rapid (one to two seasons). The three main commercial larch species in Britain (Japanese, European and hybrid) can be infected.
The Priority Action Zone (PAZ) is the area where actions will have the greatest impact on controlling spread of P. ramorum. Outbreaks to date have been limited in scale and control efforts have been successful at eradicating infections on larch. Prioritisation of survey and regulatory efforts will ensure Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) are issued quickly, with felling required, wherever possible, before the end of August in the year of detection.
The Risk Reduction Zone (RRZ) is the area where spread and scale of infection is beyond what can be controlled locally with available resources. The principal aim is now to reduce the risk of P. ramorum to the sector. Statutory actions in the form of SPHNs will continue to be used as the main tool to ensure consistency of control efforts across the range of land ownerships. Timescales for felling will not be as short as in the PAZ.
More information at: https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/phytophthora-ramorum
