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Blog

Observatree: Where it all began

Jane Barbrook, Plant Health & Seeds Inspectorate (Animal & Plant Health Agency), looks back at the start of the Observatree project and considers its ongoing success.

Jane Barbrook  •  05 Oct 2023

Blog

Reflections on a February tree health conference

On two sunny spring days at Kew Gardens a conference with a rather sober topic took place: tree health early warning systems. 

Kate Lewthwaite  •  09 Mar 2016

Blog

Citizen science and tree health in the UK

Our Lead Volunteer for the West Midlands, Andy Gordon, covers how citizen scientists have contributed to tree health in the UK.

Andy Gordon  •  13 Feb 2019

Pests and diseases

Bronze Birch Borer

Native to North America, this wood boring bupestrid beetle is a serious pest to birch trees.

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

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

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

Blog

Host of the month - Birch

This month Matt Parratt takes a look at Birch trees (Betula species) and their associated bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  20 Feb 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

Pests and diseases

Agrilus fleischeri

Native to Asia, this beetle can infest poplar and willow trees with the beetles emerging from spring onwards.