Andrea Deol, Forestry Commission Head of Plant Health Forestry, said:

"Sweet Chestnut Blight has been confirmed on multiple sweet chestnut trees at woodlands in Devon. The disease poses no risk to people or animals.

"Further surveillance is being conducted to determine the scale of this outbreak. 

"We encourage the public to remain vigilant for signs of this tree disease and to report any suspected findings using our online portal TreeAlert or to their Plant Health Inspector."

Further information:

• Sweet Chestnut Blight is caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica,
• The disease is regulated in the UK as a Quarantine Pest and we are obligated to act against the current findings to support maintaining this status. It is not endemic to the UK, although it is now widespread in Europe.
• Surveillance taking place will also direct future management decisions