19/08/2026
Sweet Chestnut blight in Devon & Cornwall
We are extending the demarcated area (a zone where particular control measures are in place) for Sweet Chestnut Blight in Devon, and into a small part of Cornwall.
This follows further findings of the tree disease close to the current restricted zone boundary. The new area will come into force on Wednesday 26 August.
The expanded area subject to restrictions will now include West Devon District and South East Cornwall constituency. The extension follows continued surveillance work, which has confirmed additional infected sites with buffer zones that extend beyond the current area boundary.
Trading restrictions on sweet chestnut trees and other susceptible material will apply across the expanded area, to help prevent the further spread of this fungal disease through the movement of infected plants and material, and to help with disease management.
"Restricting the movement of susceptible material is one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of this disease" says our Head of Plant Health Forestry, Andrea Deol.
"We would encourage the public to check their sweet chestnut trees and support the Check a Sweet Chestnut campaign. The compliance and cooperation we have already seen from forestry and trades has played a significant role in supporting our efforts so far."
Read more: www.gov.uk/government/news/forestry-commission-extends-sweet-chestnut-blight-demarcated-area
Image: Mick Biddle
