Biosecurity Boot Wash

Why do we want you to wash your boots, wheels and dog?

Trees in the United Kingdom are threatened by an unprecedented array of pests and pathogens - some already present in this country and causing great damage, while others have not yet arrived or become fully established here, while climate change adds another set of challenges.

The implications of tree diseases are profound, and affect every one of us as our landscapes are diminished and the ecosystem benefits trees provide are reduced.  We are all stakeholders in the wellbeing of our trees.

Part of our responsibility as custodians of this corner of our natural world, we need to take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of introducing and spreading pests and diseases wherever possible. As part of our public facing mitigations, we have introduced a biosecurity boot washing station near the entrance to the arboretum. Her, visitors, staff, volunteers (and dogs!) are encouraged to wash any organic materials from their footwear, wheels, paws etc on entering and leaving the arboretum to help help prevent the introduction and spread of P&D in and out.

The interpretation boards below were designed to help communicate the reasons why we are asking people to use the boot wash station and how taking personal responsibility can make a significant difference.

Can we use this interpretation too? Yes! If you would like to purchase these interpretation boards from us to use at your organisation, please get in touch. We are able to customise the boards to your location with the addition of your logo and branding.