Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) larvae have been observed emerging over the last few weeks, signalling the start of the control period. Sightings have occurred as follows:
- 8th April, Kew Gardens (observed on Turner’s Oak, a hybrid of Quercus ilex and Q. robur);
- 10th April, Richmond Park;
- 13th April, Netherlands, near Nijmegen (see attached photo).
This appears to be two to three weeks later than 2014, when the first record of emergence I could find was from the Netherlands on 21st March.
The Forestry Commission will begin operations in the Control Zone next week (w/b 20 April).
