OPM manual – 3. Management zones

If you own or manage oak trees in the area affected by oak processionary moth (OPM), you need to check which OPM management zone your trees are in. This will help you to decide what action you need to take.

There are currently three geographically-distinct OPM management zones.

Established area

This is the area where OPM is established in the South East of England.

Buffer Zone

In this area there is an annual OPM programme of surveillance and control, led by the Forestry Commission.

Area free from the pest

This area is officially designated free from the pest and covers other parts of the UK.

In response to findings of OPM in 2021/2022, updated management zone boundaries were introduced on 8 March 2023. To help landowners plan OPM management for 2023, please refer to the new updated zones map, as well as a list of local authorities and wards that fall into the buffer zone and established area, by visiting Managing oak processionary moth in England.

The remainder of this manual provides information to help you to help us, the Forestry Commission and the other partners involved, such as local authorities, to prevent or minimise further spread of the pest and to keep its impacts to a minimum.

Next – Biology and life cycle

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Further information

• Main OPM resources page