The plant related biosecurity risks posed by bulk aggregates (e.g., sand, stone, decorative wood chips, and soil) to Scotland is currently unclear. It is theoretically possible for plant pests and pathogens to travel within such products but the evidence for this is patchy. The UK Plant Health Risk Register does not mention a specific pathway in relation to bulk aggregates which suggests that these materials are not routinely considered during pest risk analyses (beyond soil/growing media).

This scoping exercise will provide clarity on the biosecurity risks posed by bulk aggregates by a) engaging with the sector to understand where materials originate from, b) quantify how much bulk aggregate material is coming into GB, and c) investigate international approaches to managing the plant health risks regarding bulk aggregates.

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