Felling diseased trees is priority, says minister

Felling disease-affected trees is a matter of priority, according to Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot.

Rushen MHK Juan Watterson asked Mr Boot MHK what impact two types of tree diseases have had on woodlands and plantations.

Mr Boot says the impact of Chalara Ash Dieback is not yet known as the affects can take years to appear - but the damage caused by Sudden Oak Death has already been significant.

He says it is impossible to completely eradicate the diseases, but the department is replanting areas it's had to cut down.