The importance of biosecurity

Pests and diseases can be easily transmitted

It isn’t always possible to see tree pests and diseases.

They can spread through:

• Climate and weather
• Imported goods, including live plants, packaging and shipping crates
• Insects
• Soil
• Human interaction (intentional or accidental)
• Animals (wild and pets eg horses and dogs)

Good biosecurity can help with control

Biosecurity is a set of precautions aiming to prevent the introduction or movement of harmful organisms.

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

If you actively visit woods, forests or parks follow these top tips for reducing pest and disease transmission:

• Keep to obvious paths
• Look out for information on noticeboards
• Observe any biosecurity signs
• Avoid taking plants or cuttings from woodland
• Resist planting out home grown plants and trees in woodland
• Wash down bike and vehicle tyres if off-roading

Before leaving the site, clean off any mud, plant material or leaves (main sources of contamination) from:

• Footwear
• Clothing
• Bike tyres
• Children’s equipment, such as buggies and scooters

Find out more about preventing the spread of harmful organisms.

Know the rules if planning to bring plants in from abroad.