Image ModifiedPromoting resilience of UK tree species to novel pests and pathogens: ecological and evolutionary solutions

Led by Dr Stephen Cavers, Natural Environment Research Council, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Trees face a variety of challenges to their health from many different threats, often at the same time. To find a sustainable long-term strategy for keeping our trees healthy, the range of real and potential threats to tree health need to be considered, along with the trees’ potential to adapt. This not only includes recognising important pests and pathogens, but also understanding how trees are adapted to their environment, how populations evolve and the impact of other pressures such as climate change and habitat fragmentation. These issues need to be understood in a physical, social and economic context so that workable management options can be identified.

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This project is in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, The University of Edinburgh, SRUC, Royal Botanic Gardens, The James Hutton Institute and Forest Research.

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