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Disease epidemics affecting trees are now seen as major threats to biodiversity, landscapes and ecosystem function throughout the world. This interdisciplinary research project, funded under ESRC's Rural Economy and Land Use Programme (RELU), brings together biologists, economists, plant pathologists and policy specialists to investigate the threat from 'Sudden Oak Death' and other pathogens to trees and woodland in the UK.
Dynamic simulation of alternative management strategies for Dutch Elm Disease
 

The Dutch Elm Disease epidemic of the 1970s brought about the loss of 35 million trees in this country and remains a standard point of reference in scientific and public policy debates about tree diseases and their potentially devastating impacts. In this research we are returning to this historical experience in order to see what could be learnt in terms of the science, management and public understanding of such important environmental events in planning for future outbreaks. 

Led by Dr Clive Potter of the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial, the project is breaking new ground in integrating historical knowledge with prediction, integrating a retrospective analysis of Dutch Elm Disease with an assessment of the risk to biodiversity and cultural landscapes from Sudden Oak Death and other tree pathogens.

The work involves archival research, social surveys, economic valuation and biological modelling and will conclude with an innovative stakeholder jury process which will bring together a panel of individuals to reach a series of verdicts on the Dutch Elm Disease outbreak, its management and legacy and on the nature of any future threat from disease systems that are now emerging.
Classic landscapes under threat: Sudden Oak Death susceptible species at Stourhead