Working in a world of pests and diseases - How ITF helps community groups to adapt

Pests and diseases in their many guises have a major impact on our native trees and woodlands and the wildlife associated with them. 

These insects and pathogens can wreak havoc on our trees, compromising their structural integrity and vitality.  Ash dieback is one such example. Set to affect over 80% of UK ash trees, it is forecasted to cost the British society over £15 billion.  

There are many others including Dutch elm disease which devastated the British landscape, larch disease and acute oak decline which is exacerbated by our changing climate.

Protecting our woodlands from harmful pests and diseases

Here at ITF we are often approached by community groups and landowners looking to restore areas of woodland where diseased trees have been felled.  Providing any existing woodland management plans are met (there are usually strict guidelines associated with felling licenses), there can be opportunities to replant with a greater diversity of native trees and shrubs. 

Moving away from single species planting and maximising diversity leads to a greater resilience in the woodland system and provides a wider range of habitats for our native species. Good soil health is also key and mulching newly planted trees not only retains moisture but also deters pests.

In areas where the woodland is already diverse and there is a plentiful seed bank, natural regeneration will happen.   There may be a case for planting some additional trees, again to diversify the number of tree species and reduce the vulnerability of the woodland, but nature will take its course quite happily without the need for human intervention.

Replanting resilient woodlands

This year ITF is supporting the replanting of an area of woodland that suffered from Ash dieback at the Blue Cross animal rehoming centre in Burford, West Oxfordshire. Many trees had to be taken out and the felling licence stipulated that the area be re-planted to a specific density.  

Working within these parameters, the new planting has opened up opportunities for re-designing the woodland, creating paths and glades that will provide additional habitats whilst at the same time making the site more attractive and accessible for people to enjoy. 

In Scotland, our partner, Cambusbarron Community Development Trust, are restoring an area of community woodland affected by another prolific pest of larch trees, Phytophthora ramorum. This devastating fungal like organism has led to the decimation of the UK larch population.

Again, the group are re-planting with a variety of species, locally sourced and appropriate for the local environment in the hope that the woodland regenerates and becomes a wonderful community asset.

Creating thriving and resilient woodlands.

In community tree planting projects, future-proofing against pests and diseases is crucial to ensure the long-term health and resilience of our green spaces.  

ITF tries to ensure this though quality programming by collaborating closely with experts and research institutions to input into best practice guidelines, including community tree nurseries.

We also work with local nurseries with good tree health practices. And we provide our partners with sufficient funding that enables them to invest in high quality, disease resistant stock; and wherever possible we look to support best practice, monitoring and community learning and engagement. 

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