Who looks after our trees and what do they do?

Summary

The UK’s trees, woods and forests provide multiple economic and social benefits and ecosystem services, but they are under increasing threat from pests and diseases. As a partner in this project Forest Research helped to identify and analyse the attitudes, motivations, activities, and potential roles of all tree health stakeholders.

The work responds to the Government’s Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Action Plan (2011), which calls for more systematic engagement between stakeholders: forest owners and managers, people involved in activities that may spread pests and diseases and those responsible for responding to infections and infestations.

Our involvement

The research focused on three case studies of the Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans) and Sweet chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), supplemented with information from our project investigating the social aspects of the Asian Longhorn Beetle in Kent.

Tree affected by Chestnut blight

Great Spruce Bark beetle

Funders and partners

Funded by Defra.

Partners include:

• Imperial College
• Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera)
• Cardiff University
• Countryside and Community Research Institute(CCRI)

Status

May 2012 – December 2013

Contact

Mariella Marzano