New Threats to UK Trees Highlight Urgent Need for Resilient Woodland Strategies.

The UK’s woodlands face a mounting threat from emerging tree pests and diseases, with experts warning that careful planning is essential to safeguard the future of the nation's forests.

Professor Dan Bebber, leading researcher in a recent study, emphasized that the challenges extend beyond biosecurity concerns. He highlighted important social and cultural considerations regarding the future composition of UK woodlands, questioning which species should be prioritized in reforestation efforts. "We need to consider this—in light of pests, diseases and climate change—when we think about the future of UK woodlands," he said.

The study identified several tree species currently at heightened risk, including pine, cherry, spruce, larch, and oak. Alarmingly, new pests and diseases have been establishing themselves in the UK at an average rate of one per year, and given the vast number of potential invaders, further introductions appear inevitable.

Historically, tree cover in the UK fell to less than 5% of land area by the early 20th century. Thanks to reforestation efforts, it had risen to approximately 13% by 2018—though still far below the European average of 39%. Much of the UK’s reforestation has relied on fast-growing, non-native conifer species, which now account for about half of the total forested area. In contrast, ancient woodlands, which have been continuously forested since 1600, now cover only 2.5% of the country.

Government initiatives aim to expand tree cover further: targets include reaching 16.5% coverage in England by 2050, 21% in Scotland by 2032, and expanding Wales’s forests by 2,000 hectares annually.

Professor Bebber stressed that these ambitious plans must be implemented thoughtfully to ensure resilience against future biological threats and the ongoing impacts of climate change. "Our study highlights the need for care in carrying out these projects, to ensure they are resilient to future pests, diseases and climate change," he noted. He concluded that the findings are a stark reminder of the critical threats posed by emerging plant pests and diseases—not only to the trees themselves but to the broader biodiversity and ecosystem services they sustain.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-pests-diseases-uk-tree-growth.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.