We need healthy trees for a healthy future, but trees across the country and around the world are in trouble. Climate change and increasing numbers of pests and diseases are threatening the continued existence of many familiar species in our landscape, just at a time when we need to plant more trees than ever before to capture carbon.
Recognising this the Yorkshire Arboretum has established the country’s first dedicated Tree Health Centre. Launching in September 2021, with a formal opening event on 23 September, it aims to raise awareness of the threats to trees, the need for vigilance to avoid importing other pathogens, and to suggest ways of increasing the resilience of our treescape for the centuries ahead. We look to achieve this by offering classes, courses and public outreach events.
These events, led by specialists, will take place at the Yorkshire Arboretum, using the new, fully-equipped classroom and beautiful, botanically-rich surroundings for unique indoor/outdoor learning experiences.
From Friday 24 September to Sunday 3 October, the arboretum will host a range of activities to commemorate the launch of the Tree Health Centre. Families can get involved in a range of trails round the arboretum, interactive demonstrations, and a kid’s bug hunt and activity pack. There will also be tree health tours of the arboretum, and a talk hosted by guest speaker Prof Nicola Spence –Chief Plant Health Officer at Defra and an arboretum trustee.
Arboretum Director Dr John Grimshaw said: “The launch of the Tree Health Centre comes at a time when everyone is painfully aware of the consequences of climate change, and the need to plant trees to help combat it. We want to help people keep our trees healthy and thriving, and these events offer something for everyone to learn about how to do so.”
Funding included £286,000 from the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund allocation.
David Dickson, Chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Infrastructure and Joint Assets Board, said: “This specialist knowledge centre will build the capacity to protect tree health and lead the way for others. The opportunities for learning will make a real impact, and contribute towards the region’s ambitions to be greener, fairer and stronger.”
