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Blog

No sting in this tale

Find out about how Observatree volunteer, Amanda, made a big difference to the UK's oriental chestnut gall wasp outbreak response.  

Amanda Yorweth  •  23 Jul 2015

Blog

Oriental chestnut gall wasp – an update

What has happened with OCGW in the UK since it was first found in 2015?

Chris Malumphy  •  27 Jun 2018

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

Blog

Mine’s an austrocedri please!

Juniper is one of our three native conifers but Phytophthora austrocedri, may also be contributing to its loss.

Joan Webber  •  21 Oct 2015

Video

Douglas-Fir and Western Hemlock Training Webinar - November 2021

A webinar delivered to Observatree volunteers on 4th November 2021 about the pests and diseases of Douglas-fir and western hemlock. Delivered by Suzanne Sancisi-Frey, Forest Research.

00:22:19

Video

Pest and disease drop-in - October 2021

Pest and disease drop-in session delivered to Observatree volunteers in October 2021. Presentations about beech leaf disease (Tom Prior), biosecurity (Freddy Toft/Becki Gawthorpe) and horse chestnut leaf miner in Scotland (David Slawson).

00:56:19

Video

Induction Four: Meet the team [2023]

Meet the staff from across the Observatree partnership!

00:59:50

Blog

The exceptional summer of 2022: extreme heat and drought and impacts on trees.

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, and colleagues at Forest Research, look at the effects of extreme heat and drought on trees.

Matt Parratt  •  18 Jul 2023

Video

Host of the Month Oak - April 2023

Join us to learn about oak ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:33:20

Video

Canaries, cheese and sentinel trees.

Since the 1970's there has been a steady increase in the numbers of tree pests and diseases and an accompanying need to monitor for both known and unknown problems. With an estimated 3 billion trees in the UK it's not possible to watch every single one, so how can we keep an eye out for potential problems? During the course of this webinar Matt delves into the concept of sentinel trees, why they're an important part of our integrated approach to pest and disease detection, and how they fit within the Observatree project. Matt Parratt joined the Observatree team in September 2022 as Scientific co-ordinator and leads on planning and delivering training to the 200 volunteers, and production of tree pest and disease resources. This webinar was recorded on 30th October and forms part of the Observatree 10 year celebrations.

00:26:00

Pests and diseases

What are we looking out for?

Working with the UK Plant Health Risk Group, Observatree has identified these 22 pests and diseases which are of the highest concern.

Video

Host of the Month Ash - December 2023

Learn about Ash ID and it's associated pests and diseases.

00:40:41

Video

Host of the Month Lawson Cypress - February 2024

Host of the Month: Learn identification of Lawson cypress any related priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 07/02/2024

00:35:26

Video

Host of the Month Oak - April 2024

Learn identification of oak and its associated priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 3rd April 2024.

00:32:55

Pests and diseases

Emerald Ash Borer

Native to Asia and Eastern Russia, the emerald ash borer is a threat to our already vulnerable ash trees.

Pests and diseases

Asian Longhorn Beetle

Native to Eastern China, Japan and Korea, this beetle can infest a wide variety of trees with beetles emerging from spring onwards.

Pests and diseases

Plane Lace Bug

The plane lace bug feeds only on plane trees, laying its eggs on the underside of its leaves.

Blog

The Alder Leaf Beetle - Agelastica alni

In this blog article John Pitcairn, who has been volunteering with Observatree for 6 years, shares with us his observations of the Alder Leaf Beetle.

John Pitcairn  •  05 Sep 2024

About us

Sue Quick

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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

Exotic lace bugs – a threat to London plane and oak

One of the products that Belgium is most famous for, along with chocolate and beer, is Brussels lace. However, it is also a great place to find lace bugs.

Chris Malumphy  •  13 Jul 2016

Blog

2016 Training Observatree volunteers

 We held 12 training events, with venues in all volunteer regions in the UK including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey  •  01 Apr 2016

Video

Phytophthora pluvialis

Delivered by Ana Perez-Sierra in December 2021.

00:41:50

Video

Induction Four: Meet the team

Our fourth and final induction webinar. An introduction to the wider Observatree team along with a few final survey tips.

00:56:16

Resource Library

Host of the Month

Blog

2022: a year in review for Observatree

New volunteers, new collaborations and renewed activity: 2022 was another great year for Observatree.

Peter Crow  •  25 Jan 2023

Video

Host of the Month Cedar - May 2023

Our Host of the Month for April is Cedar! Learn about Cedar ID and Sirococcus tsugae.

00:37:59

Blog

10 highlights from the past 10 years of Observatree

Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Office at Defra, reflects on 10 achievements and successes from the first 10 years of the ground-breaking Observatree initiative. 

Nicola Spence  •  01 Oct 2023

Video

Host of the Month Maple - October 2023

Join us to learn about Maple ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:25:12

Blog

Protecting trees, woods and forests - we couldn’t have done it without you!

Peter Crow, Observatree’s project manager, concludes our 10 years of Observatree celebrations with a look at how citizen scientists help protect trees, woods and forests.

Peter Crow  •  05 Dec 2023

Blog

Host of the month - Birch

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at birch (Betula species) and bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  26 Feb 2024

Blog

Host of the Month - Ash

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at common ash, chalara ash dieback, and emerald ash borer

Matt Parratt  •  04 Dec 2023

Pests and diseases

Mountain Ash Ringspot

First recorded in 1960, mountain ash ringspot is a virus that infects rowan trees and can lead to gradual dieback of the tree.

Video

Host of the Month Elm - June 2024

Learn identification of elm and its associated priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 5th June 2024.

00:30:56

FAQ

Observatree FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Observatree and tree health.

Blog

Host of the month - Sweet chestnut

Matt Parratt discusses Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and its associated pest: the Oriental chestnut gall wasp, and its associated disease: Sweet chestnut blight.

Matt Parratt  •  17 Oct 2024

Blog

Host of the month - Beech

Matt Parratt looks at Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and its associated Beech leaf disease.

Matt Parratt  •  20 Jun 2024

Get in touch

Get in touch

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About us

Brian Jones

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Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases

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About us

Networking

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Blog

Observatree Summer Round Up

A busy summer of Observatree activity has seen us out and about up and down the country from shows and events to pest and disease surveys we have certainly had our hands full.

Peter Crow  •  13 Sep 2019

Blog

Better biosecurity – it’s up to you!

As Biosecurity Officer for Forestry, Becki and I will be working closely together to raise awareness of tree health and encourage the uptake of biosecure behaviours across our specific industries and amongst landowners and engaged public. 

Katherine Deeks  •  30 Oct 2017

Blog

Observatree 2017: A project conference….and beyond

On 14 September at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, Observatree held its 2017 project conference. 

Peter Crow  •  20 Sep 2017

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

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

Observatree Autumn Round Up

Following on from our last blog post where we shared what we’d been up to this summer, we thought we’d share what the volunteers have all been up to this summer!

Peter Crow  •  19 Nov 2019

Video

Induction One: Observatree 101

Our first induction webinar for 2022, Observatree 101 introduces the project, the volunteering role and 'good to know' information! Presented by Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust.

00:55:03

Blog

Host of the Month - Sweet Chestnut

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at sweet chestnut, Oriental chestnut gall wasp and sweet chestnut blight.

Matt Parratt  •  07 Nov 2023

Video

Host of the Month Sweet Chestnut - November 2023

Learn identification of sweet chestnut to help you report healthy trees during November and the findings of any related priority pests or diseases.

00:23:30

Video

Winter Webinar - Curreya and Adelgids on Scots pine

A new outbreak of a previously rare fungal/insect association on Scots pine: what it is, why is it happening and what does it mean for our pines? Presented by Dr Sarah Green, a forest pathologist at Forest Research. 17 01 2024

00:42:05

Blog

A new collaboration as part of the UK Garden Sentinel Network

As Observatree continues to establish collaborative networks, we recently teamed up with the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and PlantNetwork to help raise awareness of tree health in wider audiences and promote surveillance and reporting by more people.

Peter Crow  •  26 Apr 2024

Blog

Canker Stain of Plane

A summary of the damage caused by Canker Stain of Plane.

Alex Lewis  •  01 May 2024

Video

Horse Chestnut Webinar - September 2021

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00:30:48

Blog

State of the World’s Plants

I had the pleasure of attending a ‘State of the World’s Plants’ symposium in May at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

Charles Lane  •  14 Aug 2017

Blog

An update on pests and diseases and our plans for 2019

All of the pests and diseases mentioned above emphasise the additional threats to our trees, the continued need for high levels of vigilance and the importance of a tree health early warning system.

Peter Crow  •  23 Jan 2019

Blog

Dynamics of the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner

Have you noticed that, by mid-summer, the leaves of the Horse Chestnut often have brown splotchy marks making the tree look like it’s in autumn colours already?

Phil Scott  •  16 Sep 2015

Blog

2018 volunteer training days – a summary

We held 11 events across England, Wales, and Scotland from the end of May to the beginning of July.

Charlotte Armitage  •  15 Aug 2018

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 on the Hunt for Lace Bugs

Observatree volunteers survey the UK for invasive lace bug species every summer. Suzy talks about this project and presents the results!

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey  •  04 Feb 2020

Blog

Along the wayside

Pine processionary moth (PPM) caterpillars present a similar concern as their Oak counterparts. They can weaken trees by defoliation and pose a hazard to public health.

Katie Blain  •  19 Feb 2018

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

Video

Pest and disease drop-in November 2021

Pest and disease drop-in session delivered to Observatree volunteers in November 2021. Presentations on volunteering activity (Ana Perez-Sierra), OPM monitoring (Andrew Hoppit), ash dieback in mature trees (Andy Gordon) and a new oak app (Rich Wright)

01:01:45

Video

Induction Three: Sentinel Tree Surveying

Our third and final survey induction webinar for 2022 covers sentinel tree selection and survey methodology. A fundamental introduction to conducting sentinel tree surveys for Observatree. Presented by Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust.

00:56:36

Resource Library

Observatree Guides

Video

Outbreak Response & Management - November 2022

Mick Biddle from Forest Research talks about how the authorities manage outbreaks of pests and pathogens.

00:41:02

Blog

Observatree at Ladybower Reservoir

Exploring the ancient woodlands of Ladybower Reservoir, with Midlands based Observatree volunteers.

Charles Lane  •  06 Jul 2023

Video

Host of the Month Pine - August 2023

Join us to learn about Pine ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:28:21

Blog

Becoming an Observatree volunteer; learning together and becoming a part of the family.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite, Citizen Science Manager at the Woodland Trust, reflects on the role of the volunteer, the training opportunities and their vital to the Observatree project.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite  •  16 Oct 2023

Video

Winter Webinar - Introducing the International Plant Sentinel Network

An introduction to the IPSN, their core activities and monitoring programmes, highlighting the similarities between their initiatives and Observatree volunteer activities. Recorded on 20th March 2024.

00:39:54

Pests and diseases

Oak Lace Bug

The oak lace bug is a sap feeding insect, feeding on the underside of oak leaves causing them to lose their green colour. This can reduce growth and weaken the tree.

Pests and diseases

Phytophthora austrocedri

First found in the UK in 2011, Phytophthora austrocedri is a fungus-like plant pathogen that can infect and kill juniper.

Pests and diseases

Red-necked Longhorn Beetle

The red-necked longhorn beetle larvae tunnel and feed under the bark of trees in the Prunus genus, such as cherries and plums.

Pests and diseases

Bronze Birch Borer

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

Blog

Defining Tree Health

Matt Parratt offers an explanation of how to define tree health in the context of Observatree. 

Matt Parratt  •  21 Nov 2024

Resource Library

Biosecurity

Video

Recording the location of a tree

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00:19:32

Privacy policy

Privacy policy

Observatree's Privacy Policy - prepared in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation

Video

Pest and disease drop-in - September 2021

Pest and disease drop-in session delivered to Observatree volunteers in September 2021. Presentations about the new pathology-mobile (Caroline Gorton), Ips typographus update (Sarah Facey) and crown condition research (Nathan Brown).

01:04:23

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

British cedars under attack?

Recently, cedars have been considered as an alternative forestry species, learn about how Sirococcus tsugae threatens this species.

Ana Perez-Sierra  •  16 Feb 2016

Blog

Globose scale, a southern European pest of plum and peach, heading our way

Chris Malumphy from Fera Science Ltd provides us with an overview of globose scale and what threat it poses to UK trees.

Chris Malumphy  •  06 Sep 2016

Blog

Managing Sweet Chestnut Blight in the South West

Forestry Commission England’s Tree Health team plays an important role in the protection of England’s trees, woods and forests.

Emily Fensom  •  23 Jun 2017

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

‘Palmageddon’ heading our way

Anybody visiting tourist resorts in the Mediterranean today will likely encounter large numbers of dying and dead palms. What is the reason for this ‘palmageddon’ in the Mediterranean?  

Chris Malumphy  •  13 Apr 2018

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

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

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

Video

Ancient Tree Inventory - Conifer Identification

The ATI have kindly shared their conifer ID webinar with us. 

01:30:48

Blog

Observatree 2022 breaks all records!

Throughout the year, Observatree volunteers submitted 4899 tree health reports. Our best year to date. Not only that, volunteers also submitted the most pest and disease reports, they surveyed the most tree species in a single year and monitored the most sentinel trees.

Rebecca Gosling  •  21 Mar 2023

Video

Host of the Month Beech - July 2023

Join us to learn about Beech ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:21:25

Pests and diseases

Acute oak decline

Affects mature oak trees across the UK. Thought to be caused by a bacterium causing oozing of dark fluid from cracks in the bark.

Pests and diseases

Citrus Longhorn Beetle

A non-native pest which is extremely damaging to a wide range of broadleaved trees and shrubs.

Pests and diseases

Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner

First observed in Macedonia and now widespread across Europe, the larvae of the horse chestnut leaf miner bores within the leaves.

Blog

Host of the month - Oak

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at oak (Quercus species) and acute oak decline (AOD).

Matt Parratt  •  04 Apr 2024

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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

The story so far: the difference we’ve made in five years

Ana Perez-Sierra, Head of Forest Research's Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service, lets us know about the difference Observatree has made.

Ana Perez-Sierra  •  11 Dec 2018

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

The ups and downs of Dutch elm disease

Despite the fact that Dutch elm disease has been known and studied for almost 100 years, myths about this tree disease are not in short supply.

Joan Webber  •  21 Jul 2016

Blog

Observatree digital learning – the Director’s cut

Learning in the modern world is much more than just about your ABC’s.  You need to understand the potential opportunity with D’s and E’s.

Charles Lane  •  08 Nov 2017

Video

Survey Forms Webinar - October 2021

Survey Forms - October 2021

00:37:07

Video

Seasonal Survey Highlights Summer

A short introduction to the hosts of the month for summer, and a very brief introduction to the variety of different priority pests featured on the Observatree website

00:09:04

Resource Library

Training Videos

Video

Induction Three: Tree Alert and Sentinel Trees [2023]

Induction three introduces the Tree Alert platform, and sentinel tree surveying.

01:06:13

Blog

New look for TreeAlert!

Lucy Turner, TreeAlert Coordinator, gives an overview of some of the latest improvements to the TreeAlert system.

Lucy Turner  •  18 Jul 2023

Video

What makes a priority pest or disease for Observatree? Celebrating 10 years of Observatree.

Dr Charles Lane, Consultant Plant Pathologist at Fera Science Ltd., has been an integral part of the Observatree team since the project was launched, helping to provide technical tree health advice and training to the volunteers. Every year Charles leads on a review of the list of Priority pests and diseases that are the focus of Observatree. The number of tree pests and diseases known to be present in the UK has increased in recent years and others are thought to be heading our way. Which ones are of greatest concern? Are they suitable for citizen science? In this webinar, Charles outlines the current concerns within tree health, the importance of reviewing the Observatree Priority list and how he works with tree and plant health colleagues to recommend changes to the list.

00:33:36

Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases by tree species

To make it easier for you to spot tree pests and diseases, we have listed our 22 priorties by main host tree species.

Video

Host of the Month Beech - July 2024

Learn identification of beech and its associated priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 3rd July 2024.

00:25:08

Video

Host of the Month Pine - August 2024

Learn identification of pine and its associated priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 7th August 2024.

00:33:28

Blog

Host of the month - Lawson cypress

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at Lawson cypress (Cupressus lawsoniana) and its associated pathogen, Phytophthora lateralis.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Jan 2024

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

Blog

A record-breaking 2019 and new developments for 2020

2019 was a record-breaking year for the project, with almost 4400 tree health reports submitted by our volunteers.

Peter Crow  •  20 Jan 2020

Blog

Observatree show on the road!

Two weeks, two events, two firsts and one joined up message.

Peter Crow  •  11 Jun 2019

Blog

Oak powdery mildew - what's all the fuss?

Find out more about what causes powder to cover oak leaves in late summer.

Elsa Field  •  16 Jul 2017

Blog

Negative data is good!

One of the key messages we give Observatree volunteers is that you don’t have to find something to make a survey worthwhile or valuable.

Ellie Barham  •  08 Mar 2017

Video

Induction Two: Tree Health Surveying

Our second induction webinar for 2022, tree health surveying covers site selection, tree health data, and survey forms. A fundamental introduction to conducting tree health surveys for Observatree. Presented by Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust.

01:08:23

Blog

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

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

Blog

Beech Leaf Disease

A new disease of beech trees (Fagus spp.) named ‘Beech leaf disease’ (BLD) is spreading through forest areas in eastern USA and Canada. Charles Lane and Tom Prior discuss the threat posed to UK woods. 

Tom Prior  •  14 Jul 2022

Video

How to use the forum

How to use the Observatree forum

00:18:55

Video

Bronze Birch Borer - October 2022

Bronze birch borer – an overview. Bronze birch borer is one of several Agrilus species which are tree pests. Although not present in the UK, it has damaged and killed European birch species where these have been planted in its native North American range. It is considered a significant potential threat to birch in the UK, were it to be introduced here. This webinar will provide an overview of bronze birch borer, including the beetle’s life cycle, it’s pest status in north American, the threat it poses to the UK and a summary of a recent research project.

00:46:09

Video

Winter Webinar - Forestry Commission Tree Health Champions

Emma Aspin, Biosecurity Officer for the Forestry Commission, will be joining us to talk about their staff tree health champion scheme. 13 12 2023

00:36:51

Pests and diseases

Agrilus fleischeri

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

Pests and diseases

Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp

The oriental chestnut gall wasp larvae cause galls to develop on the buds, leaves and leaf stalks of sweet chestnut trees making them vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

Blog

Host of the month - Maple

This month Matt Parratt looks at Maples (Sapindaceae family), Asian longhorn beetle and Citrus longhorn beetle. 

Matt Parratt  •  19 Sep 2024

Blog

Host of the month - Ash

Matt Parratt highlights Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the well-known ash dieback disease and its associated pest, Emerald ash borer. 

Matt Parratt  •  14 Nov 2024

Blog

Host of the month - Pine

Matt Parratt discusses the different types of Pine (Pinus) and Dothistroma needle blight (DNB). 

Matt Parratt  •  15 Jul 2024

Blog

How does Observatree fit into tree disease?

Observatree project is asking citizens to help in protecting our trees from new pests and diseases, but why is this an issue and why is citizen science part of the answer?

Joan Webber  •  06 May 2015

Resource Library

Resource Library

Take a look through our pest and disease resources 

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

Blog

Observatree attends the world’s first International Plant Health Conference

Colleagues from across the Observatree partnership, attended the world’s first International Plant Health Conference. Peter Crow, Observatree’s Project Manager, reflects on some of the conference’s key messages around the current and future global plant health challenges.

Peter Crow  •  17 Oct 2022

Video

Wales Sentinel Network & Plant Health Surveillance - December 2022

How a network of parks and gardens have been set up across Wales surveying for tree and plant pests and diseases. This will include the interaction and development of a programme which has been designed to monitor the presence/absence and abundance of native and invasive pests and pathogens posing a threat to the health of trees across Wales.

00:26:15

Video

Aerial Surveillance to Detect Pests and Diseases - February 2023

This talk will explain how the Forestry Commission use aerial surveillance (helicopters and drones) to survey trees for signs of poor health, disease and/or pest infestation. We will use Ips typographus as a case study to show how this work feeds into pest outbreak response work. We will also talk about the signs and symptoms looked for during drone surveillance for a range of emerging pests and diseases.

00:44:35

Blog

Host of the month - Plane

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, highlights plane, plane lace bug and plane wilt.

Matt Parratt  •  29 Aug 2023

Video

Host of the Month Plane - September 2023

Join us to learn about Plane ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:23:16

Pests and diseases

Pine Processionary Moth

Pine processionary moth caterpillars can rapidly strip pine trees of their needles. There are fears it’s heading to the UK.

Pests and diseases

Elm Zigzag Sawfly

Elm zigzag sawfly larvae can defoliate whole elm trees leaving them vulnerable to further attack.

Blog

Host of the month - Elm

Matt Parratt reviews Elm (Ulmus species) and the Elm zigzag sawfly.

Matt Parratt  •  16 May 2024

Blog

Host of the month - Plane

Matt Parratt highlights Plane trees (Platanus), Plane lace bugs and Plane wilt.

Matt Parratt  •  15 Aug 2024

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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

2016 Observatree mentoring events

During September and October, the Observatree project delivered eight mentoring events across Scotland, England and Wales for their network of tree health surveyor volunteers.

Helen Jones  •  22 Nov 2016

Blog

Introducing Dr Mary Barkham: Observatree volunteer and new Chair of the project Board

This blog is an opportunity for me to introduce myself and to summarise what the Board does.

Mary Barkham  •  11 Sep 2018

Blog

Chalara Dieback of Ash on my doorstep

Living in rural North Yorkshire, on the border with the East Riding, provides easy access to beautiful areas of the Wolds, Howardian Hills, Moors and coastal regions for country walks.

Charles Lane  •  01 Jul 2015

Blog

On the trail of Sirococcus tsugae

Lead Volunteer, Andy Gordon, lets us know about his experience of surveying for Sirococcus tsugae.

Andy Gordon  •  14 Aug 2018

Blog

New Year, new leadership

Since approached to take on the role of Observatree Project Manager, I have inevitably been on a steep learning curve to understand the past, present and future direction of the project.

Peter Crow  •  06 Jan 2016

About us

What does Observatree do?

Our aim is to protect the UK’s trees, woods and forests from new and introduced pests and diseases.

Video

Seasonal Survey Highlights Autumn

A short introduction to the hosts of the month for autumn.

00:18:14

Resource Library

Pest & Disease Resources

Video

Tree Alert Demo Webinar

Learn about how to use the new Tree Alert system.

00:38:29

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

Pests and diseases

Beech Leaf Disease

Beech leaf disease is a newly described disease causing discolouration of beech leaves. 

Pests and diseases

Sirococcus tsugae

Found in several UK locations on cedar, Sirococcus tsugae causes characteristic pink dead needles and can eventually kill shoots and branches.

Video

Host of the Month Plane - September 2024

Host of the Month Plane - September 2024

00:50:46

About us

About us

Summary

Resource Library

Expenses

About us

International Collaborations

Pests and diseases do not respect international borders.

Blog

Volunteers to help survey historic trees

English Heritage are delighted to collaborate with Observatree, to allow Tree Health Surveyors access to English Heritage sites in support of the early warning system for tree health issues in England.

Christopher Weddell  •  30 Mar 2018

Blog

Can you help us to understand the distribution of Gypsy Moth in Britain?

Expert entomologist Max Blake gives us an insight into the lifecycle of the gypsy moth and how you can help us monitor it's distribution.

Max Blake  •  19 May 2018

Blog

David Griffith, Tree Health Surveyor, goes above and beyond for tree health

David Griffith has been volunteering as a Tree Health Surveyor since 2014. Along with over 200 other volunteers involved in the project, David is tasked with surveying woods and trees for signs of pests and diseases including Chalara dieback of ash.

Helen Jones  •  24 Apr 2017

Video

Spruce and Plane Webinar - October 2021

A webinar delivered to Observatree volunteers on 7th October 2021 about the pests and diseases of spruce and plan trees. Delivered by Suzanne Sancisi-Frey, Forest Research.

00:33:57

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

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

Resource Library

Posters

Video

Induction One: Observatree 101 [2023]

Our first induction webinar for 2023, Observatree 101 introduces the project, the volunteering role and 'good to know' information! Presented by Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust.

00:59:09

Video

The Scottish Alder Project Webinar - March 2023

Steve Hendry (Forest Research) joins us to talk about findings from the recent alder project, which volunteers in Scotland contributed to!

00:48:00

Blog

Host of the month - Pine

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, highlights pines and Dothistroma needle blight.

Matt Parratt  •  29 Aug 2023

Pests and diseases

Dothistroma Needle Blight

Widespread across the UK, this fungal disease causes needles to develop yellow and tan spots and could have a serious impact on our Scots pines.

Blog

Host of the month - True Cedars

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at true cedars (Cedrus species) and Sirococcus blight.

Matt Parratt  •  01 May 2024

Resource Library

Webinars

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

A beetle in a haystack

The Paddock Wood area of Kent was the UK’s first (and only to date) site to have an outbreak of Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB) back in 2012.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  10 May 2016

Blog

Tree health early warning in the UK: a celebration of Observatree

A dark November evening in London was brightened as many of those involved in the Observatree project gathered at the Houses of Parliament for a reception to celebrate what the project has achieved over the first three years and to help look towards its future.

Peter Crow  •  22 Nov 2016

Blog

The Observatree training roadshows 2019

Our annual training roadshow was a big success in 2019! Suzy talks about what happened on this year's training days.

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey  •  12 Nov 2019

Blog

2017 Training Observatree volunteers

Despite the best efforts of Storm Doris, Observatree year four volunteer training days ran smoothly over the course of February and March. 

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey  •  03 Apr 2017

Tree health

Report a tree pest or disease

Spotted a tree pest or disease? Report it as quickly as you can.

Blog

BGCI and the IPSN: Botanic gardens in the fight against invasive plant threats

Miles Kitching looks at how Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) have been working together to tackle threats to plant biodiversity

Miles Kitching  •  31 Oct 2022

Blog

Visit to Sheffield Park by South East and London Volunteers

Lead Observatree Volunteers, Ben and Richard arranged a winter activity for the south east region to enable volunteers to meet up and socialise, exchange knowledge and experiences whilst out on site.

Ben Hamlin  •  07 Mar 2023

Video

Induction Two: Symptoms of Ill-Health and Site Surveys Recording [2023]

Induction Two introduces the signs and symptoms we look out for in Observatree, and introduces the general site survey method. Presented by Rebecca Gosling, Woodland Trust and Matt Parratt, Forest Research.

01:24:14

Blog

The science behind Observatree

As part of the ongoing ten-year celebrations, Peter Crow, Observatree's project manager, looks at the power of combining citizens and science.

Peter Crow  •  25 Oct 2023

Blog

Host of the month - Spruce

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at common spruce (Picea species) and great spruce bark beetle.

Matt Parratt  •  01 Jan 2024

Video

Winter Webinar - 10 Years of Observatree

Celebrating 10 years of Observatree with our project manager, Peter Crow. Recorded on 15/11/2023

00:43:28

Blog

A round-up of 2023

2023 in review and looking to the year ahead for Observatree.

Peter Crow  •  30 Jan 2024

Video

Host of the Month Cedar - May 2024

Learn identification of cedar and its associated priority pests or diseases. Recorded on 8th May 2024

00:22:20

Pests and diseases

Chalara Dieback of Ash

A chronic fungal disease believed to have originated in Asia, now widespread across Europe.

Pests and diseases

Oak Processionary Moth

The oak processionary moth defoliate oak trees and can cause rashes and breathing difficulties in humans.

Pests and diseases

Plane Wilt

Plane wilt is a fungal disease that affects plane trees. Usually fatal, plane wilt can kill trees within two to five years.

Pests and diseases

Sweet Chestnut Blight

Sweet chestnut blight is a fungus that grows beneath the bark of sweet chestnut trees causing cankers that can girdle the tree.

Pests and diseases

Phytophthora lateralis

Discovered in the UK in 2010, Phytophthora lateralis is a fungus-like plant pathogen that attacks the roots of Lawson cypress trees.

Blog

Emerging pests and diseases and their suitability for citizen science surveillance

A review of new and emerging pests and diseases.

Charles Lane  •  01 May 2024

Blog

From Lens to Lab: The Power of Photography in Tree Disease Identification

David McKellar discusses the importance of photography in our diagnostic process and offers some guidelines for using our TreeAlert system to report suspected tree pests and diseases.

David McKellar  •  22 Aug 2024

Blog

Host of the month - Spruce

For December, Matt Parratt looks at spruce (Picea species) and the Great spruce bark beetle.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Dec 2024

Tree health

The importance of biosecurity

Good biosecurity practice can reduce the risk of introducing or spreading pests, diseases and invasive species.

Get in touch

Get in touch with Observatree

Contact the team at Obsrvatree

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

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 II: Thoughts from Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, Defra

Welcome to Observatree II! Read thoughts from DEFRA's Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola Spence, as the project moves forwards.

Professor Nicola Spence  •  25 Oct 2018

Blog

A world without males: How the elm zigzag sawfly is benefiting from their absence

Expert entomologist Max Blake gives us an insight into the lifecycle of the elm zigzag sawfly.

Max Blake  •  08 Jul 2018

Blog

Out with the old and in with the new: Welcome to Observatree

In 2017, Observatree produced more educational resources, ran successful media campaigns, trained stakeholders and volunteers across the county, attended events, held a volunteer celebration event and hosted a conference.

Peter Crow  •  07 Jan 2018

Blog

Simulating a longhorn beetle outbreak

Find out about the creation of the longhorn beetle outbreak training trees, based at the Yorkshire Arboretum.

Ellie Barham  •  14 Feb 2017

Blog

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

About us

Volunteers

Find out how volunteers support the Observatree project 

Video

Volunteer Recruitment Webinar - December 2021

Recording of the webinar delivered to those interested in becoming Observatree volunteers in December 2021

00:58:53

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

Resource Library

Maps

Video

Host of the Month Elm - June 2023

Join us to learn about Elm ID and associated pests and diseases.

00:27:53

Blog

Host of the month - Maples

Matt Parratt, Observatree Scientific Coordinator, looks at Asian and Citrus longhorn beetles.

Matt Parratt  •  26 Sep 2023

Video

Looking Back at 2023 - Observatree Annual Review

An annual review from Observatree project lead, Peter Crow, plus an opportunity for volunteers to ‘show and tell’ any interesting or favourite finds from the past year. Recorded on 28th Feb 2024.

00:56:49

Video

Host of the Month Birch - March 2024

Learn the identification of birch and it's associated pests and diseases. Recorded on 6th March 2024.

00:27:34

Pests and diseases

Great Spruce Bark Beetle

Accidentally introduced to the UK in 1982, the great spruce bark beetle damages spruce trees by tunneling into their bark.

Video

Seasonal survey highlights - May to July 2024

In this video, Charles Lane, Plant Health Consultant at Fera Science Ltd, reminds us of the Observatree project resources that are relevant for the forthcoming season, focusing on the priority pest and diseases for May-July: Sirococcus tsugae, Elm zigzag sawfly, Chalara ash dieback and the Emerald ash borer.

00:14:07

About us

Observatree associates

We work with organisations that recognise the importance and implications of tree health.