The strange white coating covering the tree is an entirely natural phenomenon – but is not caused by spiders, writes Leah Renz

A 'webbed' tree in Broomfield Park (credit Leah Renz) — The ‘webbed’ cherry tree in Broomfield Park (credit Leah Renz)

An “unusual infestation” has created a talking point for visitors to Broomfield Park this spring.

A type of caterpillar known as bird-cherry ermine has taken over an entire wild cherry tree, making it look like a Halloween installation.

David March co-chair of the Friends of Broomfield Park, explained: “In a matter of three days, the tree was covered in massive cobwebs and the caterpillars had stripped all the leaves off the tree.

“We’ve never had anything like that.”

Ainsley De-Silva noticed the tree on his walks through the park. He had “no idea” why the tree was covered in webs but thought it looked “quite unique”. He says he has seen “a lot of people pause and look at the tree”.

Two dogwalkers, Matt Barnard, and Abbie Bell, both wondered whether the cause was spiderwebs. Barnard described the tree as “kinda gothic”, but was reassured to learn the phenomenon was caused by caterpillars.

“I did think they [the webs] were creepy, but now you’ve said they’re caterpillars, it’s quite cute,” he added.

Alicia Matthews found the infestation “quite impressive” and has seen the phenomenon in other London parks, including Hyde Park.

Model boater Kevin Beall, 60, had also spotted the webbing on the grounds of Copped Hall in Essex. He said the tree “looked as if it had just been done up for Halloween” and mused that it would be a great sight for kids as it would “scare the living daylights out of them”.

The infestation “can weaken the tree, but they [the leaves] generally grow back,” adds David March.

The Friends of Broomfield Park volunteers refrain from spraying pesticides on the caterpillars, opting instead for organic methods. When the caterpillars hatch later in the year – “a critical time” – the volunteers will spray pheromones to lure the moths away from the orchard trees.

Until then, however, visitors can spot the phenomenon in Broomfield Park and across the country.

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