Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Task Force was set up in 2012 to review domestic and international risks presented from new and emerging tree and plant pathogens, in part due to the outcry over the arrival of ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea). See www.gov.uk/government/groups/tree-health-and-plant-biosecurity-expert-taskforce

Tree health experts have now secured funding to develop an early warning system for pest and disease threats to the UK’s trees. Led by Forestry Research, ObservaTREE will help identify tree health problems earlier, and enable members of the public and voluntary bodies to play a greater role on protecting woodland health by reporting incidents. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/observatree