Observatree Blog

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

Blog

Help is at Hand - Benefits to an Observatree volunteer of buddying up with other organisations

A blog from our Lead Volunteer for Scotland, David Slawson. David talks about his experience working with Observatree associate organisation Scottish Natural Heritage.

David Slawson  •  13 May 2020

Blog

The role of citizen science in tree health in Slovenia

As part of the International Year of Plant Health, Observatree is hosting blogs from colleagues around the world who, like us, are working to slow the spread of invasive tree pests and diseases. This blog is from the Slovenian Forestry Institute who talk about their citizen science project LIFE ARTEMIS.

Simon Zidar and Dr Maarten de Groot  •  08 Apr 2020

Blog

Observatree raising awareness of tree pests and diseases in Wales

An update from our Lead Trainer, Suzy, about our stakeholder training days in Wales.

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey  •  10 Mar 2020