The 4,800-acre estate of Windsor Park borders the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the park has alerted visitors of a health hazard during the summer months. The park has become home to invasive insects with oak processionary moth infestations spreading through the area.
The oak processionary moth (OPM) is an invasive insect pest of oak trees. OPM are not native to the UK and were accidentally introduced in 2005 when live oak trees were transported to the country from central and southern Europe, according to the park’s website.
Since then, the invasive insect has spread to the south-east of England and was first sighted in Windsor Great Park in 2018.
The Windsor Great Park website posted an article, stating: “The hairs of the OPM caterpillars are a defence mechanism containing a chemical that when touched, can cause skin rashes, eye irritations and respiratory problems in humans and animals.”
These defensive hairs contain chemicals that trigger adverse reactions upon contact with skin. The insects have established themselves as an invasive species across the parkland.
The caterpillars are most active between May and July when they move down to lower parts of the tree in a nose-to tail procession to feed and build balls of white silken nests on oak tree trunks.
The caterpillar activity period coincides with when families, including the Royal Family, typically spend more time outdoors.
Adelaide Cottage, built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, serves as the Wales family’s private retreat from London life. The property features a distinctive pastel pink exterior and historical details including French windows, multiple fireplaces and nautical-themed decorations.
Royal commentator Robert Hardman previously noted the couple are “extremely happy” in their Windsor home, with a royal official revealing: “They are there as a family with total privacy and without lots of staff.”
In 2022, Prince William and Kate swapped London living for a countryside retreat and moved into the royal residence near Windsor Castle.