Government > News
Conservation, Press Release
The Ascension Island Government would like to advise the public that the Dew Pond
path on Green Mountain is now open following a successful biosecurity response to
a plant pathogen incident in late 2025.
The path was closed in October 2025 after a plant pathogen, Phytophthora
palmivora, was detected in clinker material that had been transported to the Dew
Pond area during volunteer-led path maintenance works. Due to the ecological
sensitivity of the area and the potential for the pathogen to spread through water
movement in soil, the decision was taken to immediately close the path while
investigations and containment measures were carried out.
The Dew Pond area lies close to upland bamboo stands that provide important
habitat for several endemic and native plant species. Preventing the pathogen from
becoming established in this environment was therefore treated as a priority.
Specialist technical advice was sought from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and
CABI, both of which have extensive expertise in plant disease and biosecurity. Advice
was also shared from St Helena where experience has been gained through
significant damage to endemic plants in sections of Peaks National Park from a similar
pathogen introduction.
With support from the Administrator, the Park Wardens, Endemic Plant team, Marine
Research Officer (eDNA) and AIG Operations implemented a comprehensive
response that included:
• Immediate closure of the Dew Pond path
• Removal and quarantine of contaminated clinker material
• Chemical disinfection of affected areas
• Installation of drainage measures to intercept runoff
• Covering treated ground with protective sheeting for several months
• A structured monitoring and testing programme
Following the initial containment work, a three-month monitoring programme was
carried out by trained AIGCFD Biosecurity Officers. Soil samples were tested using both
rapid detection kits and molecular analysis.
No further detections of Phytophthora palmivora were recorded during three
consecutive months of testing. This indicates that the pathogen did not become
established in the Dew Pond environment and that the containment measures were
successful.
Plant pathogens have caused significant damage to endemic trees in other South
Atlantic islands. However, in this case a precautionary approach, quick actions and
local support helped Ascension prevent severe ecological impacts.
With monitoring complete, the Dew Pond path is now open following routine
maintenance works, including rodent baiting and path clearance.
A small permanent diversion will be introduced around a large Ficus tree near the
previously affected area to improve safety for walkers. The site will also remain under
long-term surveillance as a precaution.
The Dew Pond closure required temporary restrictions on public access and meant
that the Dew Pond Run in October 2025 course had to be redirected. However, the
swift response by members of the conservation team has ensured that the issue was
contained within a matter of months. The successful management of the incident
demonstrates the importance of early detection, strong biosecurity procedures, and
coordinated action when protecting Ascension’s unique ecosystems.
AIG would like to thank the community for their patience while the closure has been
in place and looks forward to welcoming walkers back to the Dew Pond path.
Office of the Administrator
24 March 2026