Observatree Blog
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Blog
BGCI and the IPSN: Botanic gardens in the fight against invasive plant threats
Miles Kitching looks at how Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) have been working together to tackle threats to plant biodiversity
Miles Kitching • 31 Oct 2022
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Blog
Observatree attends the world’s first International Plant Health Conference
Colleagues from across the Observatree partnership, attended the world’s first International Plant Health Conference. Peter Crow, Observatree’s Project Manager, reflects on some of the conference’s key messages around the current and future global plant health challenges.
Peter Crow • 17 Oct 2022
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Blog
Beech Leaf Disease
A new disease of beech trees (Fagus spp.) named ‘Beech leaf disease’ (BLD) is spreading through forest areas in eastern USA and Canada. Charles Lane and Tom Prior discuss the threat posed to UK woods.
Tom Prior • 14 Jul 2022
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Investing in tree health
At the start of this year, scientists at Forest Research moved into their new state-of-the-art tree health laboratories at Alice Holt in southern England. This new £5.8 million quarantine facility represents a significant expansion of the UK’s capacity to combat tree pests and diseases – threats which continue to emerge due to climate change and globalisation.
Dr Gerard Clover • 24 May 2022
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Volunteering to help our trees!
This Plant Health Week, Rebecca, our Observatree volunteer manager celebrates the achievements of our wonderful volunteers.
Rebecca Gosling • 09 May 2022
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Blog
Oak Processionary Moth
Oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars are priority pests which target trees in the Quercus genus. They were accidentally introduced into England in 2005, but thanks to strict survey and control programme, they have not become established outside of the South of England.
Fritha West • 18 Apr 2022
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Pine Processionary Moth: Assessing the threat
PPM are spreading further north across Europe but are not established in the UK. We discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Fritha West • 31 Mar 2022
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It’s full steam ahead for Observatree in 2022
Observatree has now been in operation for eight years; and during that time, our volunteers have submitted over 13,500 reports.
Peter Crow • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Observatree volunteers go from strength to strength
Over 13,500 reports have been submitted to date and our volunteers continue to build on this extremely valuable e-resource. During 2021, 174 reports were submitted to Forest Research for suspected priority pests and diseases.
Ana Perez-Sierra • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Volunteer recruitment now open!
This is a unique opportunity to help us survey tree pests and diseases in your local area. As a volunteer for the Observatree project, you’ll be contributing to protecting trees from future threats while being part of an award-winning volunteer network.
Rebecca Gosling • 09 Dec 2021