TREE DISEASE: NOT IN MY BACK YARD?

The UK is at risk of losing millions of trees to pests and diseases that could seriously damage our gardens, landscapes and impact our wildlife populations

Whether in your garden, lining your street or abundant in local parks and woodland, trees offer a range of physical and mental health benefits: from gentle exercise and connecting with nature, to combatting air and noise pollution, or simply offering you some shade.

Observatree is a project that aims to help protect UK trees, woods and forests from new pests and diseases through early detection and reporting. Early detection gives the highest chances of controlling or monitoring any outbreaks. Monitoring the spread of tree pests and diseases is equally important. Knowing where something is, and when it arrives, could highlight trees or areas of the UK with natural resistance.

YOU CAN HELP

While you are out and about, keep your eyes open for signs of three key pests and diseases that are threatening some of the UK’s most iconic tree species.

SIROCOCCUS BLIGHT OF CEDAR Affects: cedar. First UK recording: 2013 CHALARA ASH DIEBACK Affects: ash. First UK recording: 2012 2018: Found across 45.4% of the UK (Source: Forestry Commission)

ORIENTAL CHESTNUT GALL WASP Affects: sweet chestnut. First UK recording: 2015