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Plane Lace Bug: A Delicate Micro Menace Concealed in the City

On the 25^th 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

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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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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Oak powdery mildew - what's all the fuss?

Find out more about what causes powder to cover oak leaves in late summer.

Elsa Field  •  16 Jul 2017

Blog

Do we still need to record and report Chalara dieback of Ash?

Matt Parratt discusses the prevalence of Chalara dieback of Ash and offers some guidance on reporting this widespread disease. 

Matt Parratt  •  27 Nov 2025