Recently, MP for High Peak, Robert Largan, met with Paddy Harrop, Regional Director for Forestry England in its Central England region—which covers woodlands in Derbyshire—to discuss how to tackle a tree infection in the forest around the Goyt Valley. Sadly, many infected trees need to be felled.
 
During routine monitoring, Forestry England detected an infection of airborne fungus Phytophthora Ramorum in larch and chestnut trees in Goyt Forest.

Larch and chestnut are particularly susceptible to this fungus, and accordingly a phytosanitary notice has been served, requiring Forestry England to fell all infected trees within six months.

Unfortunately, this affects quite significant areas of the Goyt Valley.  Forestry England is already undertaking harvesting operations to an existing schedule, and is now starting to work up plans for the wider affected areas. Work is planned to take place over this winter and the following spring.

Robert Largan MP commented: 
 
“I’ve asked Forestry England to keep me updated on this unfortunate occurrence, and to do all they can to minimise disruption caused by the works.

“Forestry England has also confirmed to me that their replanting operation will result in a net gain in the number of trees in the Goyt Valley.”