RGU helping protect UK trees from future disease threats

Researchers from Robert Gordon University are playing a key role in a major UK-wide project focused on improving resilience to tree diseases and protecting the country's woodlands, forests and biodiversity.

RGU is part of the ADAPTREE Project, a national collaboration led by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The initiative aims to help communities, land managers and policymakers prepare for future disease outbreaks that could affect trees across the UK.

Why are tree diseases a growing concern?

Trees play a vital role in supporting wildlife, storing carbon, improving biodiversity and helping tackle climate change. They also contribute to local economies and shape the character of places across the UK.

However, tree diseases are creating increasing environmental, social and economic challenges. One of the most significant examples is ash dieback, which has led to the loss of millions of trees and is estimated to cost the UK around £15 billion.

Preparing for future outbreaks is now seen as a critical part of protecting the nation's forests, woodlands and treescapes.

How will the ADAPTREE project help?

The ADAPTREE project will develop practical tools, future scenarios and decision-making resources to support those responsible for managing and protecting trees.

At RGU, a design-led team will work with social scientists from the Countryside and Community Research Institute and Forest Research to explore how better preparedness can help communities and professionals respond more effectively to emerging disease threats.

The work will focus on preparedness planning, resource development and practical pathways to action.

The role of Gray's School of Art

The University's contribution draws on the expertise of Gray's School of Art, which is internationally recognised for combining creative practice with environmental research.

Gray's has extensive experience of working with researchers, communities and environmental partners to address climate and sustainability challenges. The School led the NewLeaves Network and has contributed to several major UK treescape research projects.

Building resilience for future generations

Professor Nick Fyfe, Vice-Principal for Research at RGU, said:

"We're delighted to be part of this collaboration, bringing together expertise from across the UK to address a challenge of national importance.

"By combining expertise in natural and social sciences with the creative strengths of Gray's School of Art, we can develop innovative and inclusive approaches that build resilience and help safeguard the trees, woodlands and forests that are such an important part of our natural and cultural heritage."

Dr Chris Fremantle of Gray's School of Art said:

"Tree diseases pose a growing threat not only to our environment, but also to the landscapes, communities and economies that depend on healthy and resilient treescapes.

"The impact of ash dieback has shown the importance of moving from reacting to crises towards preparing for them. Through ADAPTREE, we will build on our experience of working with researchers, communities and environmental partners to help manage and protect trees, woodland and forests for future generations."

Protecting the UK from emerging biological threats

The project forms part of a wider investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to strengthen resilience to biological threats affecting people, animals, plants and the environment through a One Health approach.

UKRI Executive Champion for Tackling Infections and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Executive Chair, Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, said:

“This investment reflects UKRI’s central role in delivering government priorities and our long-standing commitment to convening and working with partners across government to fund vital One Health research into human, animal, and plant health.

“By pooling expertise from across the research and innovation ecosystem in the UK and globally, we can tackle related infectious disease challenges in a more coordinated way to get ahead of emerging biological threats and help protect people, animals, plants and the environment, both in the UK and internationally.

“Ultimately, it will advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive growth.”

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

This research supports global efforts to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and build effective partnerships. The project contributes to:

• SDG 13: Climate Action by helping communities and organisations prepare for environmental challenges.
• SDG 15: Life on Land through the protection of trees, woodlands, forests and the biodiversity they support.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by helping to bring together universities, research organisations and environmental partners across the UK. 

Find out more about Robert Gordon University's commitment to sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.