Looking after

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

Rare disease causing death of bilberry on the Roaches

How visitors can help stop spread of the disease

A fungal plant disease has been identified on the Roaches, a beauty spot in the Staffordshire area of the national park, that is killing bilberry in some areas.

phytophthoraThe disease – called Phytophthora pseudosyringae – is harmless to humans and animals but can be spread to other plants on human clothing and the coats of animals.

The Roaches remains open to the public but signs have been put up asking people to avoid contact with bilberry by staying on the footpaths when walking and accessing climbing crags and boulders, and to keep dogs on a short lead. This will help reduce the risk of the disease spreading further.

Bilberry is one of the main moorland shrubs on the estate and there are concerns the infection could spread to other moorland sites.

Experts from the Peak District National Park Authority and Natural England are taking action to deal with the infection, with the support of scientists from the Food and Environment Research Agency.

Plants across the Roaches are being tested and any infected material is being spot-sprayed with herbicide.  This is a course of action which may have to be repeated.  Areas of confirmed infection will be temporarily fenced off to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

This work is likely to continue for the next few months, following which the Peak District National Park Authority team will continue to monitor plant health.

The Roaches is an internationally important wildlife habitat, officially designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and a great place for local people and visitors to enjoy. Please help us keep it that way.

Frequently asked questions on new disease causing death of bilberry on the Roaches

What is the disease called and what does it do?

The disease is called Phytophthora pseudosyringae (pronounced Fy-top-thora sue-do-sigh-ring-gay) and can completely kill large areas of bilberry.

It is a fungal plant disease that causes the roots of bilberry plants to rot and the plant to wilt and have discoloured foliage and stems.

There is no treatment for the disease, and the only way to eradicate it is to completely kill all affected bilberry plants to prevent the disease spreading.  

Where is the problem?

The confirmed outbreak of the disease is on a remote part of the Roaches estate in the Staffordshire part of the Peak District National Park, near to Roach End.

It is possible that the disease is on other parts of the estate and we are carrying out surveys of the rest of the estate to test if this is an isolated incident or part of a bigger problem. Further measures will be taken if it is found to be in other areas.

In the meantime, we are asking people to stay on the footpaths, avoid touching bilberry and keep dogs on a short lead to help prevent the disease from spreading.

Can I still go climbing and walking on the Roaches? Is the Roaches still open to public access?

The Roaches is open to the public but we are asking everybody who uses the estate to stick to main footpaths when walking or accessing the climbing crags or boulders. Above all do not stray into patches of bilberry or more remote moorland areas.

We are also asking dog owners to keep their pets on short leads to stop them wandering onto bilberry.

If this situation changes we will update this website and let people know through the media and through signs on site.

How does it spread?

The main way it spreads is from the root of an infected plant to the roots of a healthy plant.

But the fungal infection can also be moved and transmitted by:

  • The coats or feet of animals
  • The clothes and shoes of humans that have brushed against or trod on infected plants
  • Water in the soil
  • Rain splashing on infected leaves
  • Vehicle or bicycle tyres

How can I tell if a bilberry plant is infected?

Healthy bilberry plant

Healthy bilberry plants look like this.

Infected bilberry plant

While infected bilberry plant looks like this

Is it dangerous to humans or animals?

The disease is harmless to humans, wildlife and livestock (even when eaten), although all these groups can spread the infection through contact.

Is the disease rare?

Yes, this is a non-native disease found mainly in trees in the United States and continental Europe. It was first recorded in Britain in 2005, affecting a small number of trees. This is believed to be only the third case of the disease in bilberry in the world. The first was at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, and the second in the south-west of England, both in 2009.

More information about the disease is available on the Food and Environment Research Agency website at www.fera.defra.gov.uk (type Phytophthora pseudosyringae in the search box).

Why is this a serious issue?

Bilberry is a key component of upland heath, blanket bog and woodland habitats and its loss would harm the biodiversity and natural life-cycles of the site.

There is a risk that this disease could spread to other sites in the Peak District if not contained.

Diseased sites also look unsightly – an important consideration in a tourist area.

What are you doing about it?

We are surveying the rest of the Roaches estate to find out if the disease occurs anywhere else.

We are working with others to determine the most effective method of control – probably herbicide or fungicide.

Fieldworkers are disinfecting their clothing and footwear before and after contact with bilberry.

We are asking people to stay on footpaths, avoid all contact with bilberry and keep their dogs on short leads so they cannot walk on bilberry.

How long will that take to complete?

It is difficult to forecast the time needed for eradication, but quickly limiting the spread of the disease is paramount.

For more information, call the Peak District National Park Authority on 01629 816200.