One month left to take part in the OPAL Tree Health Survey
BBC One Show Wildlife Reporter Mike Dilger (right) tests the OPAL Tree Health survey at Kew Gardens. (c) OPAL
People across England, Scotland and Wales have just a few more weeks remaining to get involved in an initiative aiming to protect Britain’s trees.
The OPAL Tree Health Survey, which launched in May 2013, is open to people of all ages and abilities – including schools – and gives participants the chance to learn more about trees while collecting important data about their condition.
Information recorded by the public could even help scientists to control and understand the spread of OPAL’s six ‘Most Unwanted’, including the Oak Processionary Moth and Asian Longhorn Beetle.
The survey is best carried out when leaves are still on the trees and signs of pests and diseases are easier to spot. So OPAL is encouraging as many people as possible to take part before the end of September and ensure that they submit their results.
The free Tree Survey pack can be downloaded from the OPAL website in English or Welsh. Participants can then send in their completed survey forms using the freepost address, or enter the results using the simple online form.
Dr Linda Davies, Director of OPAL at Imperial College London, said: “The more results we receive, the more scientists can learn about tree health and the spread of pests and diseases. If a tree appears healthy then please let us know because your results may provide us with valuable data about the overall condition of Britain’s trees in 2013 and could allow us to track future changes.
“Spotting new and alien pests and diseases is particularly important in helping the authorities to protect trees. This is why we need people to look out for the ‘Most Unwanted’ and report any sightings as soon as possible.”
Anyone with questions about tree health, how to carry out the survey and what their results mean can take part in our Tree Health Survey Q&A on Twitter by messaging us @OPALNature or using the hashtag #AskOPAL on Monday 9 September from 14.30-15.00 BST.
The survey has been developed by OPAL, the Open Air Laboratories initiative, in partnership with the Forestry Commission’s Forest Research agency, and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera). The results will be analysed by experts at Forest Research to help them draw a picture of tree health across Britain.
The free OPAL Tree Health Survey app, developed by Fera, can also be downloaded for iOS and Android to help people identify common tree species, and the pests and diseases that can affect them.