Thuametopoea processionea – oak processionary moth – is native to southern and central Europe but began breeding in the capital’s oak trees last summer, including those in Kew Garden, and destroying foliage by feeding on leaves during its larval stage.
The Forestry Commission, Defra, Health Protection Agency London and Ealing and Richmond councils have come together to stop the spread of the moth, using geographical surveys and specialist equipment to curtail the number of larvae hatching next spring.
