Our contractors began treating known affected oak trees from the 19th April. From surveying and monitoring activity over the past two years, we have identified more than 2000 sites (areas with one or more trees) for treatment in the Control Zone. Over 450 of the identified sites due for treatment have had their first sprays and we expect this number to rise rapidly within the next few weeks.  

We are beginning to receive reports of native caterpillars that are mistaken for OPM. Brown-tail moth is frequently confused for OPM and need not be reported to the Forestry Commission. Now is a good time to familiarise yourself with caterpillar species that could be mistaken for OPM. Please see the Forest Research webpage and poster to help you identify similar looking species.  

A reminder that we are still taking places on our virtual OPM training sessions. Events will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 2^nd and 4^th of June between 11-12:30pm. Register your interest here.

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.

We anticipate that partners in the Core Zone such as local authorities and other managers of large landholdings are also undertaking their operations about now.

Please continue to report OPM sightings via the contact information below.

If you’re new to OPM, please note that we have an OPM manual on our website with guidance on surveillance, identification and managing OPM. You can find it at www.forestresearch.gov.uk/opm.

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 ‘Further information resources’ at the bottom of the OPM webpage at www.forestresearch.gov.uk/opm.

Please send us information on your OPM activity so that we can provide up-to-date and comprehensive OPM reports, including developments outside Defra/FC-funded work.  Email your updates to 
opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk