Creating a robust plan to keep our trees healthy
Government’s upcoming Plant Biosecurity Strategy must put in place a bold plan to tackle the pests and diseases that threaten our native tree populations.
Take action nowTree pests and diseases
Exotic tree pests and diseases have entered the UK from overseas and are sweeping through the countryside. At least 20 are attacking our native trees, with six reaching epidemic levels. There are 11 more nearing our borders through international trade and helped along by the warmer, wetter changing climate.
60 million
trees taken by Dutch elm disease
80% of ash
trees may be lost to ash dieback
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Trees woods and wildlife
What we are doing about tree pests and diseases
We are fighting back against pests and diseases. Find out what we're doing to prevent the spread and protect the UK’s trees.
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Plant trees
UK sourced and grown trees: why is it important to buy them?
Buying UK sourced and grown trees is the best way to prevent the spread of imported pests and diseases.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Spotting and monitoring tree health
Observatree is a tree health early warning system ensuring that tree pests and diseases are spotted and reported quickly so they can be eliminated or controlled.
Position statement
Tree health: biosecurity and plant imports – the Woodland Trust's position
PDF (5.06 MB)
About us
Where do our trees come from?
With increasing numbers of tree pests and diseases in the UK, it's important we have confidence in the trees we plant. Find out more about how our trees are sourced and grown.
Position statement
Tree provenance in a changing climate - the Woodland Trust's position
PDF (281 KB)
Journal
Wood Wise – tree pests and diseases
PDF (2.55 MB)
Journal
Wood Wise – EU-exit impacts
PDF (6.56 MB)
Journal
Wood Wise – invasive species management in woodland habitats
PDF (3.64 MB)
Blog
How invasive non-native species threaten our woods
Matt Elliot • 13 May 2019
Policy paper
Rhododendron in the rainforest: approaches to a growing problem
PDF (7.41 MB)