Observatree Blog
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Blog
Investing in tree health
At the start of this year, scientists at Forest Research moved into their new state-of-the-art tree health laboratories at Alice Holt in southern England. This new £5.8 million quarantine facility represents a significant expansion of the UK’s capacity to combat tree pests and diseases – threats which continue to emerge due to climate change and globalisation.
Dr Gerard Clover • 24 May 2022
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Blog
Volunteering to help our trees!
This Plant Health Week, Rebecca, our Observatree volunteer manager celebrates the achievements of our wonderful volunteers.
Rebecca Gosling • 09 May 2022
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Blog
Oak Processionary Moth
Oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars are priority pests which target trees in the Quercus genus. They were accidentally introduced into England in 2005, but thanks to strict survey and control programme, they have not become established outside of the South of England.
Fritha West • 18 Apr 2022
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Pine Processionary Moth: Assessing the threat
PPM are spreading further north across Europe but are not established in the UK. We discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Fritha West • 31 Mar 2022
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It’s full steam ahead for Observatree in 2022
Observatree has now been in operation for eight years; and during that time, our volunteers have submitted over 13,500 reports.
Peter Crow • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Observatree volunteers go from strength to strength
Over 13,500 reports have been submitted to date and our volunteers continue to build on this extremely valuable e-resource. During 2021, 174 reports were submitted to Forest Research for suspected priority pests and diseases.
Ana Perez-Sierra • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Volunteer recruitment now open!
This is a unique opportunity to help us survey tree pests and diseases in your local area. As a volunteer for the Observatree project, you’ll be contributing to protecting trees from future threats while being part of an award-winning volunteer network.
Rebecca Gosling • 09 Dec 2021
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Observatree volunteers help the Woodland Trust manage OPM
Over the course of 2021, many of our invaluable citizen scientists have continued their surveillance of Woodland Trust sites for Oak Processionary Moth (OPM).
Rebecca Gosling • 24 Nov 2021
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Blog
A moving diagnosis
If it’s possible to have a mobile home, just imagine how useful a mobile lab would be?
Dr Caroline Gorton • 24 Nov 2021
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Blog
Ash Dieback in the National Trust
Ash is one of our most important tree species both ecologically and culturally, and is generally considered to be the third most common tree in British woods, comprising around 12% of woodland tree cover.
Luke Barley • 23 Aug 2021