[email protected]

Plant scientist, expertise in phenology

[Rory Stewart @RoryStewartUK]

I keep watching this on repeat - it is deeply soothing…

[ALASTAIR CAMPBELL @campbellclaret]

Every now and then I will allow guest contributors to submit (and very very occasionally win) for Tree of the Day. Thank you @angelarayner for this one … the shadow on the ground tips it from good to excellent. A worthy winner!!

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

Two tree pests recently added to risk register, statutory action recommended: Matsucoccus matsumurae: scale insect on pine. Monema flavescens: caterpillar feeding on many broadleaved trees. https://t.co/wuV8fEzlAW

[Insect Survey @Rothamsted_RIS]

Peach-potato aphid in decline over much of England, numbers have picked up from Scottish traps and Newcastle. still a hotspot for this species at Broom’s Barn. The Aphid bulletin: https://t.co/gTN3arWwdf and RIS Remarks: https://t.co/05W0WNTzyV are now available. #aphids #insect

[IPPC | International Plant Protection Convention @ippcnews]

🌱🌍 Plants provide 80% of our food, but up to 30% of crops are lost yearly to pests & diseases.
🌿 Prevention, preparedness, innovation and collaboration are essential.

On #PlantHealthDay, FAO highlighted the importance of plant health for food security & resilient agrifood systems.

When we protect plants, we protect life. Watch the highlights from some celebrations around the world.

@FAO @FAOPlants @yurdi_yasmi @FAODG @USUNRome @EmbaMexIta @Ambrasile @EPPOnews @EnteEnci @Plants_EFSA

#PlantHealth #ProtectOurPlants #FoodSecurity

[PlantTreaty @planttreaty]

In 2025, the Plant Treaty advanced global cooperation on crop diversity from 28 Benefit-sharing Fund projects in 45 countries to GB-11 in Lima, the first GB held in Latin America, with 16 resolutions adopted.

Thanks to our community. ✨

Onward to 2026! #ItAllStartsWithTheSeed

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

Scores recently reviewed on the Risk Register. Three potential pests of vegetable crops: root maggot fly Delia sanctijacobi. Two weevils Listroderes costirostris and Listroderes difficilis. https://t.co/wuV8fEzTqu

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

Hear my interview on successful eradication of the Colorado potato beetle on @BBCFarmingToday
https://t.co/R4cwYouOL9

[Forestry Commission @ForestryComm]

Welcome to #NationalTreeWeek - the annual celebration of the start of tree planting season!

All week we'll bring you news, advice and inspiration around planting trees and creating healthy, resilient woodlands.

Watch Terry & Tracy Featherstone's story: https://t.co/gqaebAGPr7

[Prof Richard Buggs @RJABuggs]

PhD advert: Forest responses to extremes - how does drought affect tree seed production? https://t.co/LjXOZBe5qK

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

The Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate dealt with over 266,700 imported controlled consignments in 2024. Read more in our release: https://t.co/3mcwbIIoKy

[Centre for Forest Protection @ForestProtectUK]

🧵The government has announced the successful eradication of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) from all outbreak sites in England identified in 2021🪲🚫

Find out more: https://t.co/sUwV3lmUDw

#ipstypographus #treepest #treehealth #forestprotection (1/4)

[Prof Richard Buggs @RJABuggs]

Call for evidence on a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement. What opportunities and risks are posed by the introduction of dynamic regulatory alignment with the EU? Deadline for submissions is 5 September 2025 https://t.co/X4vlZZOCaH

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

We are delighted to announce that applications for the Defra R&D Fellowship Programme for 2026/2027 are now open. Full details about the programme and how to apply can be found at:
https://t.co/et8siN7I4X

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

How we use technology to protect honey bees in the fight against yellow-legged hornets
https://t.co/ai5cGe2Koq

[Prof Richard Buggs @RJABuggs]

“We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and research-driven Reader in Evolutionary Genomics to join our Department of Biology, within the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences” ⁦@QMUL⁩ https://t.co/Xtz9t2zI2i

[Centre for Forest Protection @ForestProtectUK]

📢 FINAL CALL📢

🌳 Applications for our #treehealth and #forestprotection internships close this week! Have you applied yet?

⏰ #KewGardens close: Tue 22 July (tomorrow!)
⏰ @Forest_Research close: Thu 24 July

For more information, please visit: https://t.co/xawY5E7FWQ

[Forestry Commission @ForestryComm]

We're urging increased vigilance against Ips typographus, a serious pest of spruce trees.

The dry spring following last year’s wet summer puts spruce trees at a heightened risk, creating ideal conditions for the beetle as we enter flight season:

https://t.co/5bi5DzreHv

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

Ash fight back : Shoots of hope for Britain's cherished ash trees - https://t.co/omY3tG9AiT

[Nicola Spence CBE @plantchief]

It’s Gold for @APHAgovuk and @DefraGovUK at @The_RHS #rhschelseaflowershow for our exhibit featuring the threat of Colorado beetle to potato health and food security #planthealth