Call to South East England and London based Arborists working in OPM affected areas

[Biosecurity4Trees]

Calling on all arborists, tree surgeons, horticulturist, gardener or similar professionals working with trees in the London Boroughs.

 

I am conducting a confidential survey to gather information that will help our efforts and those of our partners to limit the population, spread and impact of the pest species Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). This pest is known to be present in several boroughs in West London, the Bromley and Croydon areas of South London, and the Spelthorne and Elmbridge Districts of Surrey.

 

The purpose of the survey is to gather information which will help us to better understand how arboricultural, landscaping and gardening businesses operate in London. In turn, our better understanding of those working in the OPM-affected areas will allow us to more effectively manage this pest in the future.

 

I can reassure you that your information will be treated in the strictest confidence, and nothing in the final survey report will identify any individual business.

 

So to help us manage this pest more effectively, I would invite you to complete the short, on-line survey at

 

http://bit.ly/OPM-survey

 

And if you know other similar professionals who might not have heard about this survey, please also encourage them to take part. Further information about OPM is available on our website at Forestry Commission - Pests & Diseases - Oak Processionary Moth.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this important matter.

[Paul Barton]

Sounds interesting. Who are you representing? Is this an academic project, or on behalf of a company or government body?

[Biosecurity4Trees]

Hi Paul. I work for the forestry commission. I am researching for an internal report to assist us in figuring out how to best work and communicate with the Arb sector. In this instance I am asking specifically about the movement of oak material in OPM affected areas but my more general remit is biosecurity practice in the arb sector.