Observatree Blog

Blog

Host of the month- Cedar

With spring in full swing, Matt Paratt takes a look at Ceders (Cedrus species) and Sirococcus blight.

Matt Parratt  •  16 Apr 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Oak

Oak is this months host tree of interest, and so Matt Parratt delves into the world of Acute oak decline (AOD) in this months blog post.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Mar 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Birch

For this month Matt Parratt discusses birch (Betula species) and potential issues with Bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Feb 2026

Blog

Investigation into the causes of Alder mortality in Scotland

Plant Health & Biosecurity Scientist at The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Matt Elliot, discusses the decline of Alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) in Scotland. 

Matt Elliot  •  12 Feb 2026

Blog

Join the Observatree Adventure

We are recruiting volunteers! Observatree Officer, Vicky Bolton, gives us an insight into what life for a new Observatree volunteer is like. 

Vicky Bolton  •  05 Feb 2026

Blog

Celebrating 12 years of Observatree

As January 2026 marks 12 years of Observatree, a tremendous milestone we're pleased to celebrate with our staff, volunteers & supporters, project manager Peter Crow reflects on some of its successes to date. 

Peter Crow  •  29 Jan 2026

Blog

Host of the month - Lawson cypress

Kicking off our host of the month initiative for 2026, Matt Parratt takes a look at Lawson cypress (Cupressus lawsoniana) and Phytophthora lateralis.

Matt Parratt  •  22 Jan 2026

Blog

National Biodiversity Network Conference

Charles Lane, Fera Science Ltd, reflects on his first experience attending the annual NBN conference back in November. 

Charles Lane  •  22 Dec 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Spruce

For our final host of the month this year, Matt Parratt discusses Spruce (Picea species) and Great spruce bark beetle.

Matt Parratt  •  18 Dec 2025

Blog

Sentinels – A vital tree network

For National Tree Week, we asked our volunteers to send in some examples of their favourite sentinel trees - Vicky Bolton, the Citizen Science Officer for Observatree, highlights some of their top picks. 

Vicky Bolton  •  04 Dec 2025