Observatree Blog
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Blog
Host of the month - Plane
This month Matt Parratt delves into the world of Plane trees, Plane lace bugs and Canker stain of plane (formerly known as 'Plane wilt').
Matt Parratt • 21 Aug 2025
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Blog
Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel complicated relationships between Curreya pithyophila and Scotland’s national tree
Dr Flora Donald, a Tree Health Policy Officer at Scottish Forestry, explains how Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel the mysterious issue of Curreya pithyophila in Scotland.
Dr Flora Donald • 20 Aug 2025
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Blog
On the Road with Observatree: Summer Training Highlights
Following a wonderful summer season of training, Vicky Bolton, the Citizen Science Officer for Observatree, summarises some of the highlights for us.
Vicky Bolton • 14 Aug 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Pine
Observatree Scientific Coordinator Matt Parratt discusses Pines (Pinus) and Dothistroma needle blight (DNB).
Matt Parratt • 09 Jul 2025
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Observatree Pest and Disease Review 2024
Charles Lane and Rowan Howe from Fera Science Limited take us through Observatree's annual pest & disease review and discuss some new potential priorities going forward.
Charles Lane • 03 Jul 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Beech
Matt Parratt highlights Beech (Fagus sylvatica), its associated Beech leaf disease (BLD) and how to spot it.
Matt Parratt • 19 Jun 2025
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Blog
Observatree Visit to Shibden Hall Park
Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to Shibden Hall Park.
Charles Lane • 29 May 2025
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Blog
Observatree Visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre
Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to the Rosliston Forestry Centre.
Charles Lane • 28 May 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Elm
For this month's host tree of interest, Matt Parratt focusses on Elm (Ulmus species) and Elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda).
Matt Parratt • 15 May 2025
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Blog
Plane Lace Bug: A Delicate Micro Menace Concealed in the City
On the 25th of July 2024, a public observation was made on iNaturalist of an interesting tiny bug found on someone’s bag in central London. A scientist from Defra spotted the report and gathered more information from the informer, believing it to be a specimen of the plane lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) due to its lace-like appearance and the location of the find in central London, where London plane trees abound.
Amirah Nigoumi • 30 Apr 2025