The ICF National Conference was today used as a launch pad for two important films intended to combat the threat to Britain’s woodlands posed by two devastating Phytophthora pathogens, Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae.
The films, which come in short and long versions, provide vital information and advice on how to prevent the spread of the pathogens.
The shorter film is aimed at people with a less intimate knowledge of plant diseases and is likely to appeal to younger age groups or those involved in social media; while the longer film is more detailed and intended for professionals working in areas at risk of infection by the disease.
The films can be viewed online via the following links:
Short film: http://theoryfilms.wistia.com/m/D34dfm
Long film: http://theoryfilms.wistia.com/m/8P4dgm
The release of the films was announced to delegates at the ICF National Conference by ICF Executive Director Shireen Chambers FICFor at 11am on Wednesday 16 June. Speaking to a packed conference hall, Shireen said: “We would strongly urge you to do what you can to draw people’s attention to these films. They will be of huge help in reaching those members of the public who use and care about our woodlands but are unaware of this potentially catastrophic pathogen.”
The films have been produced as part of the Defra/Forestry Commission Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Action Plan and the Defra Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae Disease management Programme. Production was led by the Food & Environment Research Agency (Fera) and has involved a broad-based consortium from both within and outside of Government circles.
