Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) was accidentally introduced in England in 2005 and is now firmly established in Greater London and some surrounding counties. It will not be eradicated but, with an informed approach, its impact can be minimised. Those responsible for managing trees need to be aware of the potential spread of OPM into new areas and, where it is present, take a risk-based approach that balances public health with the highly important ecological and social benefits provided by oak trees and their associated biodiversity.

In order to ensure that key stakeholders have access to the latest resources and tools needed to develop local risk-based management approaches to OPM, an action plan Toolkit has been produced that collates practical guidance into one place.

The Toolkit aims to:

Increase awareness of the implications of OPM
Provide a framework for developing a local risk-based management approach
Direct local authorities and other land managers to resources that will support local action plans
Collect and share examples of good practice through a series of case studies
Safeguard oak trees for the future by encouraging a holistic, evidence-based approach

This online event will feature expert speakers from Defra, The Forestry Commission, Forest Research and The Tree Council, and will be the best opportunity for Local Authorities and other landowners and managers to find out about recent policy changes and discover how the new toolkit can support them in preparing a response to OPM. A Q&A session will also allow attendees to pose any key questions about OPM to leading experts.

The event is primarily aimed at Local Authority tree officers and others with roles relating to the management of trees and public greenspaces, including private landowners and managers (especially where there is public access). However, it might also be of interest to anyone interested in tree health and pests and diseases in the UK.

Event timetable:

10:00 Welcome with Jon Stokes (TTC)

Session 1: Policy developments

Defra OPM policy developments with Andrea Deol (Defra)
Forestry Commission – OPM control programme with Andrew Hoppit (Forestry Commission)
Q&A – questions for Defra and FC with Jon, Andrea, Andrew

10:55 Comfort break (5 mins)

Session 2: The OPM Toolkit

11:00 The research process with Bianca Ambrose-Oji (Forest Research)
Introducing the OPM Toolkit with Jon Stokes (TTC)
Case Study: Guildford Borough Council with Geoff Monck (Guildford Borough Council)
Q&A – questions on the OPM Toolkit and related topics with Jon, Bianca, Geoff

12:00 Close with Jon Stokes (TTC)

So please join us to hear more about this new resource and work together to protect trees and public health and wellbeing.

OPM Toolkit Launch