Observatree Blog

Blog

Host of the month - Sweet chestnut

Matt Parratt takes a look at Sweet chestnuts, and explains their issues with Oriental chestnut gall wasp, and Sweet chestnut blight.

Matt Parratt  •  16 Oct 2025

Blog

Oak powdery mildew – update on what’s all the fuss about?

Charles Lane gives us an update on what all the fuss is about when it comes to Oak Powdery Mildew. 

Charles Lane  •  22 Sep 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Maple

This month Matt Parratt delves into the world of Maple trees,  Asian longhorn beetle and Citrus longhorn beetle. 

Matt Parratt  •  19 Sep 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Plane

This month Matt Parratt delves into the world of Plane trees, Plane lace bugs and Canker stain of plane (formerly known as 'Plane wilt').

Matt Parratt  •  21 Aug 2025

Blog

Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel complicated relationships between Curreya pithyophila and Scotland’s national tree

Dr Flora Donald, a Tree Health Policy Officer at Scottish Forestry, explains how Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel the mysterious issue of Curreya pithyophila in Scotland. 

Dr Flora Donald  •  20 Aug 2025

Blog

On the Road with Observatree: Summer Training Highlights

Following a wonderful summer season of training, Vicky Bolton, the Citizen Science Officer for Observatree, summarises some of the highlights for us. 

Vicky Bolton  •  14 Aug 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Pine

Observatree Scientific Coordinator Matt Parratt discusses Pines (Pinus) and Dothistroma needle blight (DNB). 

Matt Parratt  •  09 Jul 2025

Blog

Observatree Pest and Disease Review 2024

Charles Lane and Rowan Howe from Fera Science Limited take us through Observatree's annual pest & disease review and discuss some new potential priorities going forward. 

Charles Lane  •  03 Jul 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Beech

Matt Parratt highlights Beech (Fagus sylvatica), its associated Beech leaf disease (BLD) and how to spot it.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Jun 2025

Blog

Observatree Visit to Shibden Hall Park

Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to Shibden Hall Park. 

Charles Lane  •  29 May 2025