Observatree Blog

Blog

New Threats on the Horizon

Charles Lane and Rowan Howe (Fera Science) identify species of concern as outlined by the UK Plant Health Risk Register and the European Plant Protection Alert List.

Charles Lane  •  19 Aug 2026

Blog

Highlights from Spring Northern Meet-ups

Each year, lead Observatree volunteers in the countries and regions organise Spring meet-ups for local volunteers to network and explore a site. For this blog, Charles Lane (Fera) shares his experience attending two meet-ups.  

Charles Lane  •  10 Aug 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Pine

This month Matt Parratt discusses pines (Pinus species) and Dothistroma needle blight.

Matt Parratt  •  16 Jul 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Rowan/ Mountain Ash

For host of the month Matt Parratt is looking at Rowan/Mountain ash and European Mountain ash Ringspot Associated Virus

Matt Parratt  •  18 Jun 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Elm

This month Matt Parratt looks at elms (Ulmus species) and Elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda).

Matt Parratt  •  21 May 2026

Blog

The State of the UK’s Oaks

Professor Melanie Smith talks us through Action Oak's recent report on the state of the UK's precious oak trees. 

Professor Melanie Smith  •  07 May 2026

Blog

Spotting the rings of Mountain ash virus: citizen scientists are revealing new UK hosts

Observatree volunteer, Alan Inman, takes a closer look at European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus in Scotland. 

Alan Inman  •  28 Apr 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Cedar

With spring in full swing, Matt Paratt takes a look at Ceders (Cedrus species) and Sirococcus blight.

Matt Parratt  •  16 Apr 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Oak

Oak is this months host tree of interest, and so Matt Parratt delves into the world of Acute oak decline (AOD) in this months blog post.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Mar 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Birch

For this month Matt Parratt discusses birch (Betula species) and potential issues with Bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Feb 2026