Forestry Commission has issued a warning on 1 June 2026 urging the public to be vigilant for oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars, a tree pest that feeds on oak leaves and can weaken trees. The caterpillars are found mainly in South East England and descend oak trees in a head‑to‑tail procession. They are covered in long hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation, and should not be touched. The Commission asks people to report sightings via the TreeAlert portal or by email to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk, including a photo and location. OPM nests are white, dome‑shaped and become brown by August. The agency is monitoring outbreaks in the South East, Derbyshire and Dorset and managing control measures.
© Crown copyright, 2024, GOV.UK.
Summary adapted from content licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
For details, see https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/.
Original source: https://www.gov.uk/
Made by AI. If you spot anything of concern write us at contact@cybach.com. We’ll promptly correct irregularities.