Flora & fauna risks

Tick Protection

Useful info about ticks and reducing rick of bites.

Be tick aware

Simple steps to avoid coming into contact with ticks from Sussex Wildlife Trust, 15 June 2022.

Lyme Disease Action

Loads of info, free resources, advice, events, products, research & campaigns.

Public urged to report sightings of the tree pest oak processionary moth

The Forestry Commission has urged the public to report sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars. The greatest risk period is when the caterpillars emerge between May and July to feed before turning into adult moths.

Oak processionary moth, which is a tree pest, was first identified in London in 2006 and has since spread to some surrounding counties in the South East of England. Its caterpillars and their nests contain hairs which can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations, and should not be touched under any circumstances.

Oak processionary moth caterpillars also feed on the leaves of several species of oak trees. This can cause the trees to lose their leaves, negatively impacting their growth, and become more vulnerable to other stresses, like drought.

May 2022. Image credit: Forestry Commission

RHS Potentially harmful garden plants

“Serious poisoning by plants is very uncommon in the UK. Some garden plants present a hazard, but the risk of severe poisoning, skin reaction or allergy is generally low.” Useful info & harmful plant list.

Summer Branch Drop: time for a rethink?

'Jeremy Barrell FICFor discusses this mode of branch failure, and whether a more proactive management approach is possible.' Institute of Chartered Foresters, 5 August 2014.