Observatree Blog

Blog

Welcoming new associates

One of the strengths of Observatree is the Partnership. We can draw upon the expertise and skills of different organisations in a collaborative effort to help protect our trees, woods and forests from a range of invasive pests and diseases.

Peter Crow  •  27 Jul 2021

Blog

Observatree adapts for Covid-19

As a project, the impact of Covid-19 in 2020 prevented the yearly hands-on Observatree training events for our volunteers and a switch to digital communications has helped tremendously.

Rebecca Gosling  •  27 Jul 2021

Blog

Observatree Volunteers successes with Zoom

The first national lockdown in 2020 prevented the annual face to face training events for Observatree volunteers from taking place. As an alternative, a valuable series of technical webinars on pests and diseases, delivered by staff from across the Observatree partnership, were held instead. 

Richard Churchman & Paul Gill  •  02 Mar 2021

Blog

Observatree is a Constant in 2020

We could say that this year has been unusual, and we had to adapt to new ways. However, nothing has stopped Observatree volunteers keeping their eyes open and reporting pests and diseases to the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS). 

Ana Perez-Sierra  •  11 Feb 2021

Blog

Monitoring new pests and diseases on the horizon

Dr Charles Lane, plant pathologist and Observatree lead for Fera Science Ltd describes how potential new threats to our trees from other parts of the world are monitored and introduces Beech Leaf Disease.

Charles Lane  •  14 Nov 2020

Blog

Oak Processionary Moth Update

Oak processionary moth (OPM), introduced to the London area in 2005, is a pest of oak trees. The OPM team at Forestry Commission give us an update on the situation.

Andrew Hoppit & Millie Toft  •  11 Nov 2020

Blog

Emerald ash borer survey and detection: the Canadian experience

It's the International Year of Plant Health and our colleague from Canada give us details on their work with emerald ash borer. A highly destructive pest of ash trees.

Jon Sweeney, Erin Bullas-Appleton, Troy Kimoto & Ron Neville  •  22 Sep 2020

Blog

Tree Health issues in Britain from the experts

Plant Health Week, in the International Year of Plant Health, provides an opportunity to reflect upon the current and potential future challenges facing Britain’s trees and what we can all do to help protect them.

Nicola Spence, Gerry Saddler & Martin Williams  •  08 Sep 2020

Blog

Observatree Network Groups

Observatree is a national network of volunteers surveying tree health and acting as an early warning systems for tree health in the UK. A key way our volunteers and staff keep in contact is through the network groups in our forum.

Charles Lane  •  13 Jul 2020

Blog

Coronavirus or Xylella: The importance of biosecurity, early detection and decisive action.

Professor Nicola Spence, DEFRA's Chief Plant Health Officer, explains why biosecurity is so important.

Professor Nicola Spence  •  16 Jun 2020