A TREE disease spreading throughout the South West has resulted in tree felling at Burrator Reservoir.

Concern was raised recently about the amount of trees being felled at Burrator, but it is part of the Forestry Commission's fight against the disease, phytophthora ramorum, that has been infecting Japanese larch trees across the South West.

Acting on scientific advice, the commission is carrying out a programme of felling infected trees on public and private land as the most effective means of controlling further spread of the disease.

Phytophthora ramorum affects can be spread by spore dispersal in water and soil, though the greatest risk is through the movement of infected plant material. There is no risk to human or animal health.

Public information notices have been placed around Burrator Reservoir informing visitors of the situation, and how they can help prevent the spreading of the disease, including keeping to hard footpaths, keeping dogs on short leads, not removing any plant material such as cuttings from the wooded area and removing any soil or mud from boots and shoes before leaving the woodland.

Neil Reeves, conservation officer for South West Lakes Trust, which manages Burrator Reservoir, said: 'With regard to the use of land following felling, we are awaiting confirmation from the Forestry Commission regarding what we are permitted to do with the land post felling operations.

'It is likely that the land will be returned to either forestry or grazing.'