Woodland Trust and HTA say work must continue to protect UK trees

Both the Woodland Trust and The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have stressed that work must be stepped up to protect UK trees and plants.

The two associations have published replies to the report from the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce, which outlined a number of recommendations to ensure trees and plants were protected.

The appointment of a chief plant health officer who would oversee a detailed and often-updated Plant Health Risk Register, were stressed as being very important steps.

Sue Holden, Woodland Trust chief executive, said: "The creation of a new position for chief plant health officer at Defra is a step in the right direction and we're pleased to see the Secretary of State following through on his previously stated ambition to ensure plant health and animal heath are treated with equal seriousness."

And the HTA said it was vital that any register was freely available to its members, and others, to ensure swift action could be taken should pest problems or disease arise.

Gary Scroby, HTA policy manager, said: "The task force proposal for a single, prioritised risk register is one which industry fully supports.

"Our members need to know where to look for up-to-date scientific advice on plant health concerns, and it is therefore important that the proposed register is refreshed on a regular basis.

"The Chalara episode has demonstrated the need for clear and prompt communications between the plant health authorities and nurseries, landowners and NGO stakeholders, and we therefore also welcome the recommendation to develop a modern, user-friendly system to disseminate information about plant health."

For more information on the Woodland Trust's plans and ongoing work to tackle tree disease, visit www.treedisease.co.uk.

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