Developing resources for appropriate plant biosecurity assessments and implementation in natural habitats

Project Lead: Matt Elliot
Host Institution: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Project Date: 4 November 2024 to 29 June 2025
Reference Number:
PHC2024/02
Related Projects:
Trossachs national park Image by Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
Those carrying out plant conservation work often do not have access to in-depth biosecurity advice and information to help them carry out their activities in a biosecure way. Plants for habitat creation and restoration or for reinforcement of rare plant populations are often produced in an ad-hoc fashion within small community led groups or within commercial nurseries both of which can be a source of pests. In addition, contractors and those carrying out conservation work on the ground are often unaware of the importance of biosecurity when moving machinery and equipment. This is a significant threat to the sensitive habitats in which this work is undertaken because the inadvertent introduction of a new pest would have permanent, far-reaching impacts.

Through literature review, case studies and stakeholder engagement, this project will create a resource which provides specific, clear biosecurity advice to conservation practitioners so that they can produce a biosecurity management plan before a project begins, that would have the potential to become a component of licenced activities in the natural environment.


Image Credit: Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
Position:
Impact Officer: Horticulture and the Natural Environment
Institution: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Position:
Plant Soil Ecologist
Institution: The James Hutton Institute
Position:
Freelance Forester and Horticulturalist / Sylva Foundation Scotland Representative and Resilience Associate