Animal Plant Health Agency
Biosecurity refers to a set of precautions that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. These include non-native tree pests, such as insects, and disease-causing organisms (called pathogens), such as some bacteria and fungi.
Tree pests and diseases can be transported between or within countries via a number of pathways, including:
- live plant and tree products, such as potted plants
- timber and wood packaging materials (WPM), such as shipping crates and pallets find out more if youre an importer using WPM
- dirty tools, kit, machinery and vehicles, such as chainsaws, boots and all-terrain vehicles
- soil and organic material, such as leaf litter
- natural methods, such as wind and water
Why is biosecurity important?
There has been a significant increase in non-native tree pests and diseases being introduced to the United Kingdom since the early 2000s. This demonstrates the need for us all to take action to provide our trees, woods and forests with greater protection.
We can significantly reduce the risk of introducing and spreading tree pests and diseases by applying simple biosecurity measures.
What you can do: everyone
Tree pests and diseases can have a significant impact on our landscape, but there are some simple steps members of the public can take to help limit their spread:
- drive and park your vehicle only on hard-standing surfaces such as tarmac where possible when visiting outdoor areas such as woodlands, parks or gardens
- before you leave: clean mud, organic material and water off your boots, bikes and buggies, and check over your dog.Fungi, bacteria and insects can get everywhere
- Dont risk it!: please dont bring any plant or tree products back from trips abroad, because these might be carrying harmful non-native tree pests or pathogens
- report any trees that you suspect are in ill-health to the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and Natural Resources Wales using TreeAlert
What you can do: industry professionals
People working in the arboriculture, forestry and landscaping industries are considered a particularly high-risk group for their potential to spread tree pests and diseases.
The Forestry Commission has worked closely with the following organisations to develop industry-specific biosecurity guidance to reduce their members risk of introducing or spreading pests and diseases:
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
- Arboricultural Association
- British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
- Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor)
- Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
- Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)
- Landscape Institute
- London Tree Officers Association
By following the 3 calls to action from our industry guidance, Think kit, think transport, think trees, alongside the biosecurity guidance for everyone, you can significantly reduce the increased risks to tree health associated with these sectors.
Think kit:
- make sure all equipment, including boots, clothing, ropes and saws, is free from soil and organic material before entering and leaving a site
- regularly clean ropes as per the manufacturers guidance, or use dedicated ropes for particular sites
- clean and disinfect chainsaws, pruning saws and other cutting tools as part of routine maintenance, and before using them on a new site
Think transport:
- remove any build-up of soil and organic material on vehicles and machinery, including cabs, wheels and foot wells, before leaving each site
- use proper off-site wash-down facilities regularly
Think trees, plants, and materials:
- responsibly source planting stock through nurseries or suppliers that adhere to national standards such as the Plant Health Management Standard, or that have their own biosecurity policy in place that you trust
- source planting stock from pest and disease-free areas
- keep accurate, up-to-date records of all purchases and supplies to assist with tracing exercises in the event of an outbreak
- regularly monitor plant and tree stock for signs of ill-health, and report any suspect symptoms using TreeAlert
- if youre responsible for importing or moving plants, check your plant passport and registration requirements with APHA before doing so
- source landscaping materials from pest-and-disease-free areas only
- be aware of any restrictions in place, or phytosanitary (plant health) measures and treatments required when importing certain materials or their packaging
- specify British-grown plants when sourcing planting stock, to reduce the risk of an accidental introduction of invasive non-native pests or diseases
When working on a site that is subject to a Statutory Plant Health Notice, or where a pest or disease has been confirmed, you must follow any additional biosecurity guidance for that pest or disease in addition to these measures.
If you must remove infected or infested material from such sites for safety reasons, you must ensure that:
- its kept separate from other arisings
- its not used for mulch or firewood
- its disposed of at a licensed handling facility, or through deep burial or incineration on site
- you obtain a movement licence if required
If you import and export wood and timber products, see our guidance on importing and exporting wood.
What you can do: landowners and managers
Tree pests and diseases can affect the economic value of your trees and have a negative impact on other species and habitats.
By following the biosecurity guidance provided for everyone and industry professionals, you can significantly reduce the risk of tree pests and diseases spreading on to your land.
If a tree pest or disease is confirmed on the land you own or manage, there are some additional measures you need to follow:
Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs)
If the tree pest or disease found on the land you own or manage is classified as notifiable, you may be issued with an SPHN. The Forestry Commission and other plant health authorities issue these notices requiring the owner or manager to take certain steps to eradicate or contain notifiable pests and diseases.
SPHNs requiring eradication may require measures to kill the infected or infested trees, such as by felling or ring barking. SPHNs ordering containment measures may allow the infected or infested trees to remain standing, but require any susceptible material to remain on site.
If youre issued with an SPHN, you must follow any instructions provided within the document. If you have any questions about an SPHN you have been issued, contact the Forestry Commission.
Note that receipt of an SPHN doesnt mean that youre in any trouble. Nor does it imply that you have committed an offence, or are at fault for the