Environment
Scotland has a remarkable assemblage of species and habitats with Atlantic, montane, boreal, arctic-alpine, and oceanic habitats in close proximity. However, pests and pathogens represent an increasing threat to these natural assets, and a particular challenge is the sheer complexity of the diversity of the natural environment in terms of the number of species that may be impacted.
Scotland is internationally important for its resources of blanket bog, heather moorland, Atlantic rainforests, montane native woodland (e.g. Caledonian Pine forests) and high nature value farmland (e.g. machair). These habitat types represent a major tourism draw to Scotland as well as being of significant value for biodiversity and ecosystem service provision. Increasing global trade is, however, resulting in native species encountering novel pests and pathogens, and in addition, changing climatic conditions can increase susceptibility of species in the natural environment to endemic plant health threats.
Access our resource bank on plant health issues for the natural environment here.
Knowledge Bank
Projects
Forest recreation in Scotland has increased substantially in recent years, with high and growing use by walkers, runners, dog walkers and mountain bikers. Recreational activities can involve repeated movement between sites, use of informal trail networks, and soil disturbance, all of which may increase the risk of pathogen transfer. In particular, mountain bikers may represent a higher-risk group due to tyre-mediated soil transfer, longer distances travelled, and trail construction or use in sensitive areas. However, the relative risk posed by different recreational user groups, and what interventions may reduce high-risk behaviours, has not yet been established.
This project will assess how recreational forest users, particularly mountain bikers, walkers, runners and dog walkers, may contribute to the spread of tree pathogens such as Phytophthora in Scotland. Through behavioural research and evidence gathering, it will identify higher-risk activities and pathways for pathogen transfer, explore awareness and barriers to good biosecurity practice, and develop targeted, practical recommendations and interventions to reduce risks. The project will provide an important evidence base for risk-based biosecurity guidance, helping to protect Scotland’s forests, woodlands and semi-natural ecosystems while supporting enjoyable and sustainable recreational access.
Image credit: by MaBraS from Pixabay
The PHC-funded Plant Health in the Natural Environment fellowship identified that, unlike plant health in production systems, the problem definition in the natural environment is less well developed. Stakeholder awareness is uneven, and roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are often unclear. This lack of clarity creates risks for early detection, coordinated response, and effective communication if a significant plant pest or pathogen threat emerges.
There is therefore a need to address this gap in a phased and proportionate way. This project is intended as a PHC-led strategic working group focused on providing clarity and agreement on the governance, coordination and options appraisal of plant health in the natural environment, rather than operational delivery. The work will support informed decision making by policy colleagues and ministers, particularly in the context of constrained public resources.
This project is strategic and advisory in nature. It will map existing responsibilities, assess governance and coordination options, and develop evidence-based options for ministers and senior officials. It will not deliver operational change, introduce new statutory duties, or implement surveillance or response activities.
Image details: healthland - Skitterphoto from Pixabay
Building on the production of 39 pest factsheets for GB Priority and Notifiable pests under PHC project PHC2022/08, the current project will expand this resource to capture many of the remaining ~150 GB Quarantine Pests listed on Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 for which no equivalent, practitioner-focused factsheets currently exist - and particularly for those of relevance in Scotland.
This project will undertake a comprehensive gap analysis of DNA reference libraries used for plant health diagnostics, focusing on pests and pathogens relevant to Scotland and the wider UK. Through reviews of existing databases, scientific literature and consultation with experts, the project will assess the availability, quality and accessibility of current reference data, identify major gaps in coverage, and evaluate relevant national and international initiatives. The findings will help prioritise future investment in DNA reference resources, supporting the development of more reliable diagnostic tools, earlier detection of threats, and improved plant health and biosecurity monitoring across agricultural, forestry, horticultural and natural environments.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The first stage of the project will use workshops, interviews and evidence review to identify, assess and articulate PHC's impacts to date. This will include the development of a portfolio of high-quality impact case studies that capture both realised and emerging impacts, alongside facilitated reflection and tailored training to help staff better understand impact generation, evaluation and evidence capture.
The second stage will focus on embedding impact more effectively across the research lifecycle. Drawing on lessons from the case studies, the project will provide expert guidance, practical tools and training to support PHC staff in incorporating impact thinking into project design, delivery and reporting. It will also identify Centre-level impacts, strengthen approaches to monitoring and evidencing outcomes, and establish a framework for ongoing impact assessment and continuous improvement.
The project will deliver a suite of impact case studies, practical guidance and training resources, and a forward-looking impact framework that will enable PHC to consistently demonstrate the real-world benefits of its research and maximise its future contribution to Scottish plant health policy and practice.
This project will evaluate how the forthcoming LiDAR dataset could be used to improve plant health outcomes in Scotland. It will identify and assess opportunities for applying LiDAR data to plant health challenges, including early detection of risks, monitoring vegetation change, and supporting surveillance and risk assessment activities. The project will examine the strengths and limitations of LiDAR for plant health investigations and explore how it can be combined with other remote sensing technologies, such as satellite- and drone-based data, to enhance insights. Technical, operational, and organisational barriers to effective use will also be identified, including data handling requirements and skills gaps.
Through expert engagement, targeted case studies, and a stakeholder workshop, the project will provide clear, evidence-based advice to support investment in tools and approaches that maximise plant health benefits from this national data resource.
This project will investigate how extreme weather events influence forest pest populations by conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. The project will:
- Analyse global evidence on how drought, flooding, windthrow, and wildfires affect invasive forest pests.
- Identify which species are most likely to thrive (and which may decline) under Scotland’s changing climate.
- Develop five case studies highlighting potential risks to native woodlands and key commercial species.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, foresters, and conservation organisations.
By identifying priority species for action, this research will give Scotland the tools it needs to build resilience in forestry and protect woodlands against the growing impacts of climate change.
In Scotland and the wider UK, there is growing interest in these products. However, it is currently unclear, depending on the purpose of the product, which government authority is responsible for regulating plants that intentionally contain endophytes. Without clarity, bringing such products to market may be problematic and hinder the safe exploitation of these innovative tools that can support plant health.
Through stakeholder interviews and workshop, this project seeks to:
- Identify which UK or devolved authority is responsible for approving endophyte-containing plants under various scenarios.
- Understand how current regulations apply, and where gaps exist.
- Build consensus among regulators, policy-makers, researchers, and industry.
- Provide recommendations to ensure that Scotland is ready to make the most of endophyte technology in the future.
This project will assess the extent of training needs across the sector, identify which nurseries participate in quality schemes, evaluate existing training resources, and highlight gaps in information and training accessibility. It will also explore how training, both practical and online, could be better delivered, consolidated, and accessed by nurseries.
The outputs will include a detailed scoping analysis of current training provision, a mapping of unmet needs, and a set of recommendations for developing and implementing a targeted training plan. This initiative will support improved plant health practices, particularly in underrepresented nursery sectors, ultimately reducing the biosecurity risks associated with plant supply in Scotland.
Image of greenhouse by Uwe Driesel from Pixabay
The study will begin by mapping stakeholders in the firewood sector, including government bodies, transport authorities, and firewood suppliers. An online survey and interviews with major firewood suppliers will help assess domestic firewood movement and identify gaps in awareness and risk assessment. The project will also explore international best practices in firewood biosecurity through literature reviews and expert consultations, as well as analyse data from firewood import records to quantify the scale of international trade. Additionally, the research will evaluate treatment interventions such as heat treatment and steam sterilization to mitigate biosecurity risks. A component of the project is the creation of resources for and recommendations around a potential future public awareness campaign designed to educate stakeholders on the risks associated with firewood movement, drawing on successful international models.
By providing evidence-based recommendations, this research aims to strengthen firewood biosecurity measures, helping safeguard Scotland’s forests from invasive pests.
Image credit: wood by günter from Pixabay
Publications
Whole of Scotland LiDAR: Analysing the opportunities for plant health benefits and potential barriers to exploitation
Final report and policy summary for project PHC2025/05 - Whole of Scotland LiDAR: Analysing the opportunities for plant health benefits and potential barriers to exploitation
Scotland’s Plant Health Conference 2025 Workshop Report
Summary report of the workshop "Supporting delivery of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025 through the Plant Health Centre", run during Scotland's Plant Health Conference 2025
Evaluating the potential of predator diet analysis as a monitoring tool for plant pests of concern
Final report and policy summary for project PHC2024/06 - Evaluating the potential of predator diet analysis as a monitoring tool for plant pests of concern
GI Base 2.0: Database of Scotland’s Green Infrastructure plants
Final report and policy summary of project PHC2022/06 - GI Base 2.0: Database of Scotland’s Green Infrastructure plants
Developing resources for appropriate plant biosecurity assessments and implementation in natural habitats
The Final Report and Policy summary for project PHC2024/02 - Developing resources for appropriate biosecurity assessments and implementation in natural habitats
European Mountain Ash ringspot associated virus – a rapid review of the wider threat to Scotland
A rapid review of the wider threat to Scotland from European Mountain Ash ringspot associated virus
Understanding the drivers of emergence of Curreya pithyophila and associated impacts on Caledonian pine
This study investigated the drivers underpinning the recent emergence of Curreya pithyophila on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Scotland and assessed its impacts on native Caledonian pine populations.
Improved preparedness for Phytophthora prevention in Scotland
This project aimed to strengthen Scotland’s preparedness for current and emerging Phytophthora threats through improved horizon-scanning, risk assessment and decision-support tools.
Scoping the risk of bulk aggregate (topsoil, sand, gravel, stone, wood chips) movement into and within Scotland
Final report and policy summary for the project PHC2023/06 - Scoping the risk of bulk aggregate (topsoil, sand, gravel, stone, wood chips) movement into and within Scotland
Identifying key questions and leverage points for plant health in the natural environment
This project used systems thinking to identify leverage points where changes in behaviour, attitudes or processes could improve biosecurity and hence plant health in the natural environment.
The impact of agricultural policy reforms on plant health risks in Scotland: Guidance on maximizing plant health benefits
The project examines the potential impact Scotland’s upcoming agricultural reforms could have on plant health
Investigation into the causes of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) mortality in Scotland
The project investigated whether alders in Scotland have experienced a recent decline in health and identified factors affecting their condition. It also aimed to improve monitoring methods and address key issues for future management and regeneration of riparian alders.
Plant Biosecurity Resources – increasing the accessibility of notifiable plant pest information for Professional Operators
This project developed 39 pest-specific datasheets and a prototype webtool for Professional Operators to provide tailored pest information to use when issuing plant passports and support risk assessments for site operations.
Biosecurity for plant health: better justification of precautionary measures
This project engaged experts and practitioners with knowledge of existing sectoral practices in Scotland, UK and internationally, summarised existing literature and undertook a gap analysis, to generate a better understanding of the rationale for taking precautions and to improve the evidence base with which to justify taking actions.
Integration of Plant Health Planning Into the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
The impacts of introduced plant pests and diseases have been substantial in recent times. With a changing climate and many known pests on the horizon, plant health impacts on biodiversity are expected to grow further in the years ahead. Thus, considering the nature of plant health threats to the natural environment and embedding mitigating actions into biodiversity strategies is of increasing importance.
Understanding a new health threat to Caledonian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
This project was initiated in response to a new health threat to Scots pine manifesting itself in the form of multiple blackened cankers and dieback of shoots and branches, particularly in the lower crown. Scots pine is regarded as iconic in Scotland for a range of ecological, cultural and economic reasons. Therefore, it is a research priority to gain an understanding of the extent and causes of the canker disease for better protection of this species in the future.
Assessing spread of Phytophthoras in Scottish forests by recreational and harvesting activities using comparative qPCR and metabarcoding techniques
Pathogens from the genus Phytophthora pose some of the greatest threats to tree health and are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the UK as the climate becomes warmer and wetter. This project added new data based on a DNA metabarcoding approach to determine the Phytophthora species diversity in soil samples and sampled material from timber harvesting operations alongside those of recreational activities.
Action Research to gain a deeper understanding of large-scale biosecurity risks to Scotland
This project has developed a systems approach, in the context of plant health biosecurity risks in the retail, infrastructure landscaping and planting in the natural environment, to facilitate further understanding of key organisations and identify general and specific leverage points at which interventions could have a significant effect on the system.
Plant Health and the Natural Environment Fellowship
The Natural Environment sector underpins Scotland’s landscapes, biodiversity, rural industries and recreational activities, but plant health awareness is less well developed than in the forestry, horticulture and agriculture sectors. The PHC funded a fellowship with NatureScot, to address this gap.
Preliminary investigation into the threat of Bronze Birch Borer (BBB - Agrilus anxius) to Scotland
The Bronze Birch Borer (BBB, Agrilus anxius) is a major threat to birch trees. This project had co-funding from Scottish Forestry and NatureScot and undertook evidence gathering to assess the threat BBB poses to Scotland, inform risk assessment, surveillance and contingency planning, and identify key risks and knowledge gaps.
A targeted analysis of the impact of insecticide withdrawals in Scotland, in the context of alternative control options
Insecticides are commonly used in Scottish agricultural, horticultural, forestry production, and for amenity and natural environment management purposes. Over the last 10 years, approximately 50% of UK insecticide active substances have been withdrawn due to increasing concern over human health and environmental impacts. Some of these losses will be mitigated by using alternatives but their practicality and cost under Scottish conditions is unknown. This project analysed current crop production patterns and insecticide use in combination with how likely different insecticides are to be withdrawn and provided stakeholder views on the impacts of any such losses on their industry, including other control methods that may be adopted.
PHC Annual Report 2022-2023
The Plant Health Centre works with Scottish Government, public bodies and stakeholders to provide scientific evidence to help them make important decisions about pests and pathogens that threaten Scotland the most. Over the past 12 months we have delivered a consistent programme of stakeholder engagement and project commissioning, which are detailed in our annual report.
Biosecurity practices to support plant health: a review of knowledge and practice
This research investigated plant biosecurity risks from site visitors, tools & equipment, and large machinery. In addition to reviewing published guidance, UK businesses and organisations were engaged via questionnaires and interviews to explore how these aspects of biosecurity are understood and what procedures may be in place to address them.
Identifying the plant health risks associated with plant waste disposal and peat-free growing media and developing best practice guidance for waste disposal and composting across sectors
This research focussed on two areas of biosecurity that provide significant risk to plant businesses and the wider environment in Scotland, i) plant waste management, and ii) the constituents of reduced-peat and peat-free growing media.
Enhancing the Plant Health Centre’s communication with stakeholders
This project was commissioned to implement a selection of the recommendations made in the PHC stakeholder engagement strategy and communication plan. The team developed strategies to manage time and resources of the Plant Health Centre more efficiently regarding communication of outputs, general information on activities, aims and current issues related to plant health.
Improving knowledge of Xylella fastidiosa vector ecology: modelling vector occurrence and abundance in the wider landscape in Scotland
If introduced to the UK, the insect-vectored, bacterial plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa could be a serious threat to trees and other plants. There is a lack of knowledge about the ecology and distributions of Xylella vectors in Scotland and the potential effects of this on any outbreak of the disease, which this project aimed to address.
A review of gene editing for the benefit of plant health
This report is the output of a call-down project that assesses the type of plant health problems in Scotland that GE could address, with potential benefits, barriers to deployment and dis-benefits noted.
Assessment of large-scale biosecurity risks to Scotland
PHC commissioned an assessment of large-scale biosecurity risks with a focus on three areas of concern:
- non-specialist and online horticulture sales;
- landscaping and infrastructure;
- planting for environmental benefits.
An additional area was the potential for modelling to support decision making across these areas of concern. This policy report summaries each report and highlights the key findings and suggested actions.
Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland from non-specialist and online horticultural sales
This project focused on an initial exploration of tree and plant biosecurity risks to Scotland arising from large-scale movement of plants via non-specialist (those for which plants are not their primary product type, e.g., supermarkets, DIY and lifestyle stores) and online plant retailers. By better understanding the characteristics of these retailer types, the plant health behaviours they undertake, and the challenges they face, potential avenues were offered for greater engagement and collaboration on biosecurity with this important, but understudied and hard to reach sector.
Assessment of plant biosecurity risks to Scotland from large scale plantings for landscaping and infra-structure projects
Planting for large-scale landscaping and infrastructure can typically involve tens of thousands of individual plants, potentially threatening plant health in Scotland due to the biosecurity risks of imports and widespread planting of infested or diseased plants. This project aimed to understand the extent and means to mitigate against such plant biosecurity risks with a focus on mapping the pathways from plant specification through to planting and establishment and highlight different biosecurity awareness for actors, in decision-making and procurement processes.
Assessment of plant biosecurity risks to Scotland from large scale tree plantings for environmental benefits
This report features five case studies from across Scotland and examines risks associated with large scale tree planting schemes, levels of awareness around pests and diseases, and how the decisions and actions of those involved can serve to reduce or exacerbate pest and disease related threats and long-term tree health. Each case study was unique in respect to their combination of location, site conditions, ownership, management objectives, species choice, supply chains and management activities. By highlighting best practice and lessons learned, it was hoped to ensure that future planting schemes can be successful and, importantly, reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases being introduced and spread into the wider environment.
The potential of ecological and epidemiological models to inform assessment and mitigation of biosecurity risks arising from large scale planting
Large scale planting projects linked to infra-structure such as transport networks and major housing projects or to planting for environmental benefits (e.g., urban greening, woodland restoration) pose high biosecurity risks due to the high number and types of plants involved. This report focusses on whether and how ecological and epidemiological model frameworks can inform assessment and mitigation of biosecurity risks from large scale planting using a combination of literature review and stakeholder engagement. The project aimed to identify priority steps to develop more useful models and tools for assessing biosecurity risks from planting in the future.
Assessment of suitability for EAB invasion for Scotland and the UK
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has become a significant threat to ash trees in several countries (including USA and Russia) but is not yet present in the UK. We quantified climate and ecological factors affecting EAB suitability using native range data and conclude that southern England is a highly suitable habitat for EAB. Although currently less favourable, we project that Scotland will become increasingly suitable for EAB under climate change. Thus, EAB could threaten Scotland via trade with areas where it is present or, through spread from populations if established in England or Western Europe. Rapid spread of EAB has been observed in its US invasion. We therefore recommend further study and vigilance against EAB introductions into the UK.
A stakeholder engagement strategy and communication plan for Scotland’s Plant Health Centre
The aim of this project was to develop an operational communication plan from existing stakeholder engagement principles, communication theories and knowledge banks, identifying and summarising actions for the PHC.
Metabarcoding analysis of Phytophthora diversity in spore traps and implications for disease forecasting in the P. ramorum management zone
Surveillance and monitoring of airborne pathogens is a key tool in the management of healthy forests and controlling disease outbreaks. A Scottish Forestry-funded project was carried out in autumn 2019 to validate different spore-trapping techniques for monitoring airborne P. ramorum inoculum using a species-specific qPCR assay. This project aimed to add further value to the Scottish Forestry project by investigating the suitability of DNA metabarcoding for screening spore trap samples for P. ramorum and other Phytophthora species, seeking early data for aerially dispersed Phytophthora species that may become problematic in UK forests. The study highlighted the value of both monitoring P. ramorum dispersal and detecting other Phytophthora species, to predict and understand changes in disease severity in UK tree host species. Recommendations included that the use of both rain and wind-borne inoculum capture methods might be advantageous due to the variety of weather conditions under which inoculum can disperse. Lineage testing in Southwest Scotland should be carried out to look at the prevalence of lineage EU1 in the EU2 area and to monitor for presence of North American lineages. Development of a new DNA barcode more specific to Phytophthora would be beneficial.
PHC2020/09: Economic Impact of Pesticide Withdrawals to Scotland, with Case Studies
Chemical forms of plant protection are widely used in Scottish agricultural, horticultural and forestry production plus for amenity and natural environment management purposes. The availability and use of active substances in pesticides are closely regulated and increasing concern over human health and environmental impacts has led to a greater likelihood that some existing approvals will be withdrawn and/or that approvals for new products will not be granted. Potential impacts from withdrawal of these pesticides are of policy interest and this summary report builds on the data and results from project PHC2018/15 (Potential impacts arising from pesticide withdrawals to Scotland’s plant health) and uses case studies to understand the likely magnitude and distribution of potential impacts and how they may be mitigated.
PHC2018/15: Potential Impacts Arising from Pesticide Withdrawals to Scotland’s Plant Health
The use of pesticides to manage plant pests and diseases is a key management intervention across plant health sectors, particularly in agriculture, horticulture and commercial forestry production. Pesticide withdrawals through legislation, coupled with resistance development and their impact on plant health, have emerged as key concerns for Scottish plant health stakeholders. This project quantifies the impacts on Scottish plant health that will arise from pesticide withdrawal scenarios and sets this in the context and time frame of alternative management tools.
Impact of climate change on the spread of pests and diseases in Scotland
This project constructed a modelling framework which combined epidemiological and economic modelling. The modelling framework was used to study predictions of spread and economic impact of pests which are not currently in the UK, including Xylella fastidiosa, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Zebra chip) and Ips typographus (Eight toothed Spruce Bark Beetle).
Impact: A web/desktop application is available to the PHC and Scottish Government to analyse the effects of climate change on the spread and economic impact of new threats.
Expansion of PHC Online Plant Health Resources
This project has expanded the PHC online Resource Bank for plant health threats to the Natural Environment sector in Scotland to include information sources for the remaining three sectors (Forestry, Agriculture and Horticulture). Information sources for Forestry, Agriculture and Horticulture were compiled and evaluated, and a Knowledge Bank relevant to each sector is now online at the PHC website, creating a comprehensive and unique signposting resource for plant health information with relevance to Scotland.
18-Month Review Summary Leaflet
The Plant Health Centre completed an in-depth review of its first 18-months of activity for our funder (the Scottish Government through RESAS) in September 2019. While the full report is not yet available to the public, we have created a summary leaflet that outlines out achievements over this period.
Threat: Oak Processionary Moth
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from Oak Processionary Moth to Scotland.
Threat: Bud worm
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from the Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), Western spruce budworm (C. freeman) and Black headed budworm (Acleris gloverana and A. variana) to Scotland
Threat: Emerald ash borer and Bronze birch borer
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from Emerald ash borer and Bronze birch borer to Scotland
Threat: Larger Eight toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from the larger eight toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) to Scotland
Threat: Longhorn beetles
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from longhorn beetles to Scotland
Threat: Phytophthora ramorum
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from Phytophthora ramorum to Scotland
Threat: Xylella fastidiosa
Status, Scottish specific issues, Plant Health Centre perspective and Key priorities and recommendations concerning the threat from Xylella fastidiosa to Scotland
Development of an online, user friendly plant health resource bank for the Scottish Natural Environment
The aim of the project PHC2018/11 was to compile a resource to be embedded within the Scottish Plant Health Centre (PHC) website, with the following three main purposes: 1) To direct users to existing, comprehensive and reliable plant health information resources; 2) To provide information on selected plant health threats to the natural environment, particularly invasive non-native species; and 3) To direct users to appropriate government agencies and resources and advise users on steps to take should a suspected statutory pest or disease be encountered.
Webpages have been developed which provide the following:
1) a listing of the first most pressing plant health threats to the natural environment in Scotland;
2) a user-friendly web template, populated with links to information about these major threats and other topics relevant to plant health in the Scottish natural environment; and
3) summary pages providing guidance on biosecurity and control of diseases in this sector, for which other resources were not easily available.
The use of mobile technology to enhance plant health monitoring and awareness in Scotland
The aim of the project was to review existing websites and smartphone apps currently available and applied in the plant health sector and to assemble a detailed overview covering the following points:
- What options are available in terms of mobile software applications for plant health?
- What is their primary purpose?
- Who is the target audience (growers, plant health professionals, citizen science, …)?
- Which plant health sectors do they cover?
- Are they reliable and accurate?
- Is information submitted to a central database? If so, how is this information used?
- Could they be used globally, or are they limited to certain geographic regions?
Difficult choices to protect gardens and the environment
Heritage gardens play an important role in plant conservation. They house collections gathered over decades or even hundreds of years, including varieties of plants that may be overlooked elsewhere, fostering heirloom varieties and preserving biological diversity that is the raw material of adaptation. As well as being beautiful and tranquil sites of cultural heritage, these ex-situ resources are treasure troves of biological diversity. Arduaine Gardens shows us that tough choices can be necessary and important to preserve these collections and the surrounding environment.