Scotland's Plant Health Centre - Key principles to minimise plant health risks

KEEP IT CLEAN Biosecurity best practice can reduce the spread and establishment of plant pests and diseases. These organisms may be microscopic and can easily go unnoticed. • Ensure plant movements adhere to established quarantine and inspection protocols • Assess and mitigate the risk of introducing or spreading disease into new areas when designing and undertaking planting programmes (e.g. landscaping, habitat restoration, woodland creation) • Embed good biosecurity practice in all business operations to minimise the risk of moving pests and pathogens (e.g. via live plants or indirectly via material on or in machinery, vehicles, packaging etc) • Maintain good biosecurity practices when accessing land for leisure activities to avoid spreading pests and diseases (e.g. via soil or plant debris on boots, tyres, dog paws, or recreational equipment) Positive activities which already exemplify this principle • Biomats at RBGE which disinfect footwear and act as an educational/awareness raising tool • Bikewash stations for mountain bikers; mud brushes left for use in trail carparks. Further activities which could be taken to underpin this principle • Promote greater awareness and consistency of approach across sectors and locations • Provide additional facilities at leisure sites (e.g. foot mats and dog paw wash) • Develop practical systems for cleaning large machinery and share best practice protocols between sectors