The UK’s trees face a growing number of pest and disease related threats, many of which are driven by human activities and behaviour. However, there is very limited evidence surrounding the impact of communication around biosecurity on attitudes and actions. This research builds on previous research for Scottish Forestry into biosecurity interventions along the West Highland Way, which revealed high levels of concern about impacts of pests and pathogens among hikers, but low levels of awareness of their own role in biosecurity. Building on such work, this subsequent research will explore how principles from the fields of behavioural science and psychology can be used to inform the design and deployment of biosecurity campaign materials. In addition, these principles will be tested by deploying newly designed materials on appropriate sites and observing their effectiveness in encouraging compliance with desired biosecurity behaviours.

Source: Forestry Commission Scotland in King et al., 2015.