~ Shocking Conker Crisis ~

It seems that nearly every year the game of conkers is beset by a new threat. We have suffered from shortage, the wrong shape, the wrong size, cutting down of trees and the banning of the game in some schools because it might be dangerous!

This year (2004) is no exception. The enemy is now Cameraria ohridella. This beast is a leaf-mining moth whose larvae feed on the upper and lower surface of horse chestnut leaves, eventually leading to leaf fall. Originating in Macedonia, C.ohridella has been noted in southern Britain in the last two years.

Do not panic: it has not reached us -- yet. Watch out for telltale sign, either of the moth or the damage. Vigilance is the watchword!