CATERPILLARS have covered a tree in the grounds of a school in Abingdon with web.

As reported in yesterday’s Oxford Mail, a tree next to the Crown and Thistle pub in the town was cut down, after it became infested with Spindle Ermine moths, covering it with the thick silk substance.

Now caterpillars have left a similar web in the grounds of Larkmead School in Faringdon Road.

Pauline Valentine, PA to headteacher Chris Harris, said: “I have worked here for 26 years and I have never seen anything like it.

“These caterpillars are the talk of the town at the moment, after the tree was cut down near the pub.

“They have been weaving the silk just outside the school office and pupils are fascinated — they all have a look as they go past. There are no plans at present to get rid of the caterpillars.”

District tree officer George Reade said that the moths which caused the infestation at the Crown and Thistle in Bridge Street were not harmful.

He said they covered the tree to protect themselves from wasps and birds while they fed on the wood.