What is plant health?
Plant health can be damaged by a variety of sources, including plant pests. A particularly damaging example of these plant pests is the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (Agrilus planipennis). In the early stages of the beetle’s life cycle (larvae) it can damage the bark of ash trees, causing them to die.
There haven’t currently been any outbreaks in the UK, however, the beetle is spreading across Europe and there is a chance that it will enter the country.
Although the beetle is harmless to people and animals, if this beetle arrived in the UK it could result in significant damage to the environment and the economy.
For more information visit the Forestry Research’s page on the Emerald ash borer beetle:
Local risk rating: High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
Nationally, there are currently import restrictions on certain items which may carry the beetle, such as plants, wood, wood chips and bark. The Forestry Commission also have an annual surveillance programme.
The Local Resilience Forum works with partners to plan for events like this and would use the Emergency Response Arrangements to coordinate the work.
How can you prepare?
If you believe you have seen the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle or evidence of the beetle (such as the image of the tree), please report it to the Forestry Commission via TreeAlert
