Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 June 2005. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Thursday, 16 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Trees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned to improve tree health.

Answer: The need to maintain, and improve where necessary, the health and vitality of trees is integral to the Government's approach to sustainable forest management. We have set this out in the UK Forestry Standard and its supporting literature, which contain many specific measures for protecting woodland and improving tree health. All woodland management by the Forestry Commission is consistent with this standard and we expect private woodland owners that receive grant aid from the Forestry Commission to also meet the standard. The Government have encouraged the development of the voluntary UK Woodland Assurance Standard that provides an independent verification of compliance with good practice and measures to ensure the continuing good health of woodland. We shall continue to ensure compliance with the UK Forest Standard in those woods managed by the Forestry Commission and encourage it in the private sector.We will also continue to improve, through research, our knowledge of factors affecting tree health and we shall maintain a vigilant guard against the establishment of non-native pests and diseases. For example, there is a determined effort, led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Commission, to contain and eradicate the diseases of trees and shrubs caused by the pathogens Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae.

Secondary information