A deadly plant disease that was only identified in the UK last year has been found in trees at Blubberhouses.

The Forestry Commission has confirmed that the condition, caused by a fungus-like organism, has been discovered in Lawson cypress trees in the village – in what is only the second confirmed outbreak in England.

The disease has decimated trade in ornamental Lawson cypress trees in the US states of Oregon and California, where the species is native.

The Forestry Commission has now issued Plant Health Notices to landowners at Blubberhouses – including the British Canoe Union, Yorkshire Water and owners of private land alongside the River Washburn, near Fewston Reservoir.

The notices require the felling and destruction of the trees and the Forestry Commission says everyone is co-operating.

Head of the commission’s plant health service, Dr John Morgan, said: “Phytophthora lateralis is one of several destructive plant pathogens that have entered the UK in recent years, many of which have been associated with the growth in the international trade in live plants.

“We and our colleagues in the Food and Environment Research Agency need everyone involved with trees and forest plants to be vigilant for signs of these pests and diseases, and to take biosecurity precautions where advised, to help us contain them and minimise their impacts.

“Although Lawson cypress is not a significant forestry tree, it is popular in parks, gardens, churchyards and crematoria.

“Therefore if the disease becomes established it could be serious for the ornamental plant industry because the species – including its various colourful varieties – is one of the most important conifers in the ornamental plant trade.

“We are therefore asking people working around trees, particularly tree surgeons and those who manage parks and gardens, to look out for signs and to follow the biosecurity guidance published on our website to prevent spread of the disease on their tool, boots and so on.”

Catchment and recreation manager for Yorkshire Water, Geoff Lomas, said: “This is a rare but fatal disease, and as a responsible landowner we’re doing everything we possibly can.

“We are taking expert advice from the Forestry Commission, and working with our neighbours to contain the disease and stop it from spreading.”

More information about the disease, and how to spot it, can be found by visiting the news section of www.forestry.gov.uk.