AN App that uses GPS technology to pinpoint diseased elm trees has been launched by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The App, part of a new project called Open Elm, is designed to encourage those who spend time in the Manx countryside to identify unhealthy elm trees.

Members of the public are encouraged to download the free application, which is available for iPhone and Android phones, to report dead, dying or potentially diseased elm trees across the Island.

These reports will then be collected and assessed by a Dutch elm disease coordinator from the department's forestry directorate.

Department Minister John Shimmin MHK said: "This is an exciting project which will enable the public to quickly and easily report suspect trees when they are out and about. 

"The Isle of Man has so far managed to maintain a relatively large elm population, whereas elm trees have been decimated by disease across large areas of the UK and Europe. 

"Open Elm will be a great help together with our own efforts in controlling spread of the disease and protecting our beautiful elms."

Dutch elm disease can be transmitted from tree to tree by the elm bark beetle, root grafts and infected pruning tools.

An infected elm tree usually exhibits symptoms soon after infection. Because of the speed with which the disease attacks detecting symptoms as early as possible is essential for treatment.

The main symptoms to look out for are:

• wilting of leaves and young shoots
• premature yellowing or discolouration of leaves
• retention of dead leaves
• rapid development of symptoms

The Open Elm Project is a joint collaboration between the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture's forestry directorate and Red Robot Studios.

Andrew Gleave, the main designer and programmer for Red Robot Studios, said: "This is the very first public crowd-sourcing project in the Isle of Man. By giving people an easy to use website and a mobile App it should enable them to make a valuable contribution quickly and easily."

The website and App cost £3,000 to create. Jimmy Lee the Dutch elm disease (DED) coordinator said: "This was decided the best way forward as DED spotters/surveyors cost the forestry directorate approximately £20,000 per season (June/July and August)."

People can also report unhealthy elm trees by visiting the new website www.openelm.org.im. Any reports that are made can be viewed on a map so that people can see where problems have been identified.

Trees can also be reported by e-mailing openelm@gov.im or by telephoning the forestry directorate on 01624 801263.

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