Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland from large scale plantings for landscaping and infra-structure projects

Project Lead: Mariella Marzano
Host Institution: Forest Research, The James Hutton Institute, Fera Science Ltd, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, St. Andrews Botanic Gardens
Project Date: 17 February 2020 to 31 March 2021
Reference Number:
PHC2019/05
Parkland
Large scale infra-structure projects such as transport networks and major housing projects typically include extensive landscaping and planting programmes. These operate at a large scale, often require instant visual impacts (semi-mature shrubs and trees) and face significant cost pressures. The modest scale of domestic production creates challenges in obtaining material from local sources, which can favour low-cost large-scale plant imports with associated risks of pest and disease entry. This project will fill in key knowledge gaps with those responsible for selecting, procuring and planting plants and trees on a large-scale to provide an understanding of how/whether biosecurity features in their decision-making and make recommendations for any changes required to improve bio-secure practices.

Impact: Provide Scottish Government policy with an assessment of the major biosecurity pitfalls and opportunities arising from large-scale landscaping plantings.
Position:
Social and Economic Research Scientist
Institution: Forest Research
Position:
Social Scientist
Institution: Forest Research
Position:
Forest Pathologist and Programme Manager
Institution: Forest Research
Position:
National Manager for Scotland
Institution: Confederation of Forest Industries
Position:
Plant Pathologist
Institution: The James Hutton Institute
Position:
Environmental Economist
Institution: Fera Science Ltd
Position:
Landscape Architect
Institution: St. Andrews Botanic Gardens
Position:
Ecological and Plant Disease Modeller
Institution: Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Position:
Ecological and Plant Disease Modeller
Institution: Centre for Ecology and Hydrology