Tree health monitoring

 

Tree health is a matter of great public interest and concern.  Through this programme, Britain participates in a pan-European annual survey of forest condition.  The survey monitors crown density in some 370 plots distributed throughout Britain.  Five species are surveyed - Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, Scots pine, oak and beech.  Assessments were started in 1987 and the run of data has allowed valuable year-to-year comparisons, which have been published annually for several years as Information Notes.

The monitoring has identified very weak downward trends in the crown density – and, by implication, health – of Norway spruce and oak since 1987.  However, the interpretation of these, and other results, in terms of possible causes of damage is problematic.

The programme was reviewed in 2001/02 and retained on the grounds that it would be required as a major input to the UK programme for monitoring criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management.

Commissioned reports

No reports available at this time