Woodland managers invited to free oak health workshops

Woodland managers are invited to attend hands-on workshops where they will receive training to use a newly developed app to aid oak health monitoring and management. 

Delivered in partnership with Aberystwyth University and the Sylva Foundation, the workshops, which are running at over 11 locations across England and Wales, will provide practical guidance on assessing oak condition, using the app in the field, and collecting valuable monitoring data.  

Each session will include expert-led demonstrations, group discussions, and guided field activities. 

Sign up to workshops 

“We’re excited to invite you to attend one of our workshops, said Nathan Brown, environmental modeller at Forest Research, “by working together, we can improve how oak health is monitored and managed.” 

Where are the workshops taking place?  

How can I sign up?  

Simply complete the online form to register for the workshop of your preference. Full joining instructions will be shared with you by email ahead of your chosen workshop. 

Sign up to workshops 

About the project 

The Forest Lab: Observing and understanding oak health project aims to build a long-term, collaborative approach to oak health monitoring. It aims to develop:  

• A growing community of woodland managers empowered to assess, understand, and act on signs of oak decline  

• A robust nationwide system for observing and recording oak health across the UK — with potential for future expansion to other tree species. 

Why do oaks need protecting? 

Native oak trees — keystone species in many woodlands — are under threat from environmental change, and in some places by Acute Oak Decline (AOD), mildew, insect defoliation or honey fungus. We are interested to understand where and how these factors are impacting oak health.  

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) 

AOD can be diagnosed black stem bleeding, D-shaped emergence holes (left by the Agrilus biguttatus beetle) and often a depleted oak crown. The disease can seriously diminish health and resilience of infected trees. AOD can spread within a woodland once introduced and exacerbate existing stresses.