Seminar focuses on forestry issues

A leading expert on forestry and woodlands will be holding a special seminar in Lancashire later this month.

The CLA’s forestry and woodlands advisor Mike Seville will be at Myerscough College on Monday 25 March to update farmers, landowners and foresters on the latest developments in tree diseases and also give advice on how to reduce the risk of injury and subsequent litigation related to trees in public places.

The first part of the seminar will look at the current situation and future implications of the two diseases currently threatening British forests and woodlands - Chalara fraxinea (ash dieback) and Phytophthora ramorum in larch. Part two will see Mr Seville deliver a common sense guide on how to reduce the risk of members of the public being injured by falling branches.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “Our forests and woodlands are being threatened by two virulent diseases and it is vital that farmers and landowners are up to date with the latest developments as well as what the CLA is doing to help combat the threat.

“In these litigious times, landowners need to be aware they could be held liable for any death or injury caused by a branch falling from a tree that overhangs a public place - such as a road or footpath - unless they have sound risk management procedures in place.”

The seminar will finish with a discussion on the Government Forestry & Woodlands Policy Statement (published 31 January 2013) and the implications of this statement for landowners and foresters.