Newcastle University are again looking for volunteers to help with an ongoing research project supported by Defra. This will help to integrate parasitism of OPM caterpillars into future management plans.

This year they are hoping to involve landowners who have OPM on site with the actual sampling in order to reach a greater range of sites and better understand the distribution of the main OPM parasitoid.

Sampling would involve collecting caterpillars just prior to them spinning nests and placing them into individual tubes along with recording any collection data. A full protocol and sampling kit containing PPE will be provided.

We would ask those who are interested to fill out the following form https://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=8958406 by Friday 3rd June so that we can get kits sent out in time.

We expect towards the end of May we will start receiving further reports of OPM, when the caterpillars will be large enough to be seen by the public. It is at this time when they will be on the move and also developing the hairs which can cause irritation. This is a reminder to not approach or touch the caterpillars but please do report all OPM sightings to us via the online portal Tree Alert www.forestresearch.gov.uk/treealert.  Alternatively, you can send in your reports to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

If you’re new to OPM, please note that the OPM website with guidance on surveillance, identification and managing OPM is available at this link.

The Forestry Commission has a suite of communication resources which partners are welcome to use. PDF versions of posters, leaflets and banners are available under: https://opmhub.fera.co.uk/commandevents 

Please continue to report sightings of OPM using the TreeAlert link below: