Edinburgh garden gains first biosecurity award
Anational scheme to help protect gardens and horticultural businesses from introducing alien pests and diseases has been rolled out at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) – the first public garden to do so.
Instigated by the Plant Health Alliance (a consortium made up of organisations in horticulture, forestry, land management and the government), the ‘Plant Healthy’ scheme seeks to improve biosecurity practices, setting standards for clearer checks around the movement of plants and any bugs they might carry.
“With disease threats, such as Xylella, and pests like the emerald ash borer beetle having profound impact on our landscapes, it’s critical everyone plays their part,” said RBGE Director of Horticulture Raoul Curtis-Machin.
Plant Healthy’s Plant Health Management Standard sets out key quality checks that businesses and organisations must comply with. It involves auditing everything from plants bought-in and collected from their natural habitats to pallets and packing materials, tools, equipment and the basic hygiene of garden practices. “It’s a major achievement for us to be the first garden to achieve accreditation,” said RBGE team leader Peter Brownless.