Research
Observatree early warning system for tree health
Research Status:current
Observatree is an exciting project to set up a new UK tree health early warning system using citizen science.
Visit the Observatree website to find out more, or sign up for updates.
Harnessing the power of citizen science is critical to the project’s overall success. This is achieved in two ways.
First, the project aims to encourage tree health professionals and people actively involved with trees to look out for and report any tree pest or disease sightings at the earliest opportunity. By doing this, the chances of eliminating or controlling future outbreaks can be maximised.
Second, the project has established a core network of 200 trained Observatree volunteers. Their role is to support government tree health officers and scientists by undertaking survey work and helping to process and verify tree health reports received.
Observatree:
Study evaluating the experiences of participants of Observatree, a Tree Health Early Warning System which engages volunteers in surveying for tree pests and diseases, thereby supporting efforts to protect woodlands and forests.