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Government, 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