Black Down Forestry

05/07/2025

⚠️ Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) – Removal of Active Nests and Caterpillars from Network Rail Infrastructure, Tower Hamlets.

Following on from our recent post about the risks of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), here’s a closer look at a recent removal job carried out in Tower Hamlets.

This work took place on Network Rail infrastructure running alongside a public park and local amenities including tennis courts. One of the nests was at head height, posing a serious risk to anyone walking by or retrieving a ball. Several other nests were higher in the canopy but still close to public access.

We removed all nests using a specialist forestry vacuum system which safely transfers the nests and airborne hairs into a sealed internal bag. This is then double bagged and stored with all contaminated disposable PPE including protective suits and gloves. Everything is sent for high temperature incineration, ensuring nothing hazardous remains on site.

We’re actively managing OPM across London, Kent, Sussex and the South East, working with Network Rail, highways clients, local authorities and private landowners. Whether it’s a single tree or a larger site, we’re fully trained and equipped to deal with it.

We also manage Brown Tail Moth (BTM) and are fully prepared to respond to Pine Processionary Moth (PPM) should it reach the UK.

📞 Call, text or WhatsApp: +447867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

Let’s keep our trees healthy and our public spaces safe

28/06/2025

🌳 Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) – What You Need to Know ⚠️

The Oak Processionary Moth is an invasive species, not native to the UK. It originated in mainland Europe and has become established in parts of the UK, especially in London and the South East. Its caterpillars move in long, nose-to-tail “processions” along oak trees and build white silk nests on the trunks and branches.

⚠️ Why is OPM a concern?
• The caterpillars shed tiny toxic hairs that can cause skin irritation, rashes, sore throats and breathing issues in people and pets
• They feed on oak leaves, weakening the tree and leaving it open to further disease and pests
• The nests stay hazardous long after the caterpillars have gone
• The barbed hairs can cling to clothing and equipment. Re-infection is possible even after washing as the hairs can remain embedded in the fabric

📅 When is OPM active?
• Eggs hatch April to early May
• Caterpillars are most active between May and July
• Nests appear from May to June
• The best time for professional nest removal is late June to early August, once the caterpillars have pupated
• Old nests may remain dangerous all year

🌳 What to do if you spot OPM:
• Do not touch the caterpillars or nests
• Keep children and pets away
• Provide a detailed report including the exact location (grid reference or what3words), clear photos, and where on the tree the nests are
• Check nearby trees within 15 to 50 metres as they often spread locally
• Report sightings to:
• Local Authority Tree or Environmental Officers
• Local Highways Departments (for roadside trees)
• National Highways (for motorways and major A-roads)
• Network Rail or TOCs (Southern, Thameslink, Southeastern)
• Forestry Commission
• Environment Agency

If the infestation is on private land, the landowner is responsible for reporting or arranging safe removal.

🌳 Black Down Forestry is fully insured and experienced in safely removing OPM and other invasive pests like Brown Tail Moth and Pine Processionary Moth.

📞 Call, text or WhatsApp: +44 7867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

17/06/2025

This medium-sized field maple was removed in early spring, before it had the chance to come into leaf. Positioned close to a driveway and a garden boundary fence, it had begun to block afternoon light and outgrow the space available.

Fully qualified and insured, covering Kent, Sussex and surrounding areas.

📞 Call, text or WhatsApp: +44 7867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

10/05/2025

We recently completed the full removal of a mature Ash tree for a domestic client.
The tree had started to damage fences and was dropping seeds across the garden. Our team carefully dismantled it down to fence height, working safely around the BT lines that ran through the tree.

We are fully qualified and insured for all aspects of tree work.
If you’d like advice or a no-obligation quote, feel free to get in touch.

Proudly serving Kent, Sussex and the surrounding areas.

📞 Call, text or WhatsApp: +44 7867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

27/04/2025

We recently removed this dead cherry tree to make the garden safer and tidier as the house was being sold. The removal not only enhanced the safety of the property but also opened up the garden space.

If you need help with dead, dying, or diseased trees, or maintenance work to keep your trees healthy, feel free to get in touch.

📞 Phone/WhatsApp/text: +44 7867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

19/04/2025

Here’s a front garden we tackled recently: hedges reduced and reshaped, and the overgrown corner fully cleared to open up the space.

It wasn’t done this month, but it’s a great example of how quickly we can make a real impact.

Need help with hedges or large open areas?

Black Down Forestry is here to help with all your garden and land management needs.

📞 Call, text or WhatsApp: +44 7867 257625
📧 Email: [email protected]

09/04/2025

A big thank you to Chris at Plant Nappy for providing Black Down Forestry with a pair of demo spill mats.

Designed with rail environments in mind, the orange outer avoids red and other signal colours, helping maintain clear safety standards on site.

We look forward to using them on future jobs and are always glad to support British-made products that back responsible, practical working methods.

Worth a look if you’re after reliable equipment for spill prevention during refuelling or maintenance.

www.plant-nappy.co.uk

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05/04/2025

Welcome to Black Down Forestry! 🌲

With years of experience, we’re your local experts in arboriculture, forestry, land clearance, and a range of outdoor management services. Based in Tunbridge Wells, we proudly serve Kent, Sussex, and the surrounding areas. Our team holds industry-recognised qualifications and follows best practices to ensure professional, reliable, eco-conscious service.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, we’re here to help—always with a friendly and professional approach.

📞 +44 7867 257625
📧 [email protected]
Contact us for a free quote!

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At Black Down Forestry, we specialise in arboriculture, forestry, land clearance, and garden maintenance, delivering expert services to both domestic and commercial clients.