The government has pledged £4 million in new research funding to help protect British woodlands. Seventeen innovative projects will get underway through the Centre for Forest Protection, a collaboration between Forest Research and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Among the focus areas:

• Breeding disease-resistant trees, especially in response to ash dieback and fungal threats to Scots pine.

• Accelerating breeding programmes using cutting-edge technology (think trees that flower younger and faster).

• Preparing for future environmental stressors, including extreme weather and invasive pests.

With ash dieback alone predicted to kill over 100 million trees and cost the UK economy up to £15 billion, this investment is both timely and vital.

🐛 What Do the Public Think?

According to a new Forest Research survey, the British public deeply values our plants and trees—but many of us aren’t yet putting plant health into practice.

• 85% say it’s important to protect plants and trees.

• Yet only 15% clean their boots after woodland walks.

• Just 5% understand the term “biosecurity”.

The takeaway? We need more awareness—not just of the threats, but of the small actions each of us can take to protect our landscapes.

🧼 Top tip from Bowhayes Trees: If you’ve been walking in woodlands, give your footwear a brush off before and after. It helps stop the spread of pests and diseases.

🪵 Spruce Under Pressure: A Bark Beetle Warning

Woodland managers in south-east and eastern England are being urged to monitor spruce trees for signs of Ips typographus, the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle.

The beetle targets trees weakened by stress—particularly after a year of waterlogging followed by spring drought, just like we’ve had.

If you manage or plant spruce, now’s the time to keep a close eye out for:

• Top die-back

• Discoloured foliage (gingering)

• Overall canopy decline

Felling and movement restrictions apply in demarcated zones—check the Forestry Commission guidance before taking any action.

🌳 Get Involved: Help Monitor Oak Tree Health

If you have access to oak trees, researchers at Forest Research and Aberystwyth University need your help. They’re looking for volunteers to assess five or more oaks between June and August and log observations via Forest Lab, part of the myForest platform.

At Bowhayes, we know how vital our native oaks are—not just for biodiversity, but for our cultural landscape too. This is a great way to contribute valuable data from your patch of woodland or garden.

🔗 Take part via Forest Lab

🌿 EWCO Grant Updates: Easier Forms, Clearer Rules

For those of you applying for woodland creation support, there are new updates to the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO):

• Easier-to-use application and claim forms

• Smoother planting detail carryover

• More clarity on recreational access (up to 10 days of closures allowed annually for maintenance)

From 9 June 2025, old versions of the forms will no longer be accepted—so make sure you're using the latest ones!

🌱 Ready to Go Plant Healthy?

If you’re involved in the plant trade or manage a tree nursery, Plant Healthy certification is a great way to show you take biosecurity seriously. At Bowhayes Trees, we’re strong supporters of the scheme, and we encourage others in the sector to look into it—especially during National Plant Health Week.

🔗 Find out more at planthealthy.org.uk

🌲 Forestry Roots: A Career Path into Trees

Know someone aged 18–30 who’s keen to work with trees? The Royal Forestry Society’s Forestry Roots programme is now open for applications. It offers paid placements, training, relocation support, and mentoring with top estates—including The Hillyfield in Devon and Chatsworth House.

🔗 Apply by 30 May

🎧 Into Agroforestry? Tune In

Finally, if you’ve not yet listened to the Meet the Farmers agroforestry podcast, all three episodes with Ben Eagle and James Ramskir-Gardener are now live. Ideal for those thinking about trees and land in new, regenerative ways.

🔊 Listen here

At Bowhayes Trees, we believe in being part of a connected, resilient tree community—from breeding better trees and supporting new woodland creation to helping gardeners and landowners make informed choices.

We’ll keep you updated on the evolving world of tree health and woodland support. In the meantime, if you’re planting this season, feel free to get in touch for advice on resilient species and best practices.

Stay rooted, The Bowhayes Trees Team

www.bowhayestrees.co.uk