How Effective Are Citizen Scientists at Contributing to Government Tree Health Public Engagement and Surveillance Needs—An Analysis of the UK Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Survey Model
Abstract
:Simple Summary
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
3. Results
3.1. Public Engagement and Awareness Raising
3.2. Trees and General Tree Health
3.2.1. Location of Survey Trees
3.2.2. Tree Species
3.2.3. Tree Canopy Density
3.2.4. Tree Leaf Browning
3.2.5. Wildlife
3.3. Surveillance for Tree Pests and Diseases
3.3.1. Established Pests and Diseases
3.3.2. Quarantine Pests and Diseases—“The Most Unwanted”
4. Discussion
4.1. Public Engagement
4.1.1. Inspiring a New Generation of Environmentalists
4.1.2. Building Partnerships
4.1.3. Innovation and Inclusion
4.1.4. Support
4.2. Surveillance for Tree Pests and Diseases
4.2.1. Data Entry Errors and Lack of Verification
4.2.2. Data Processes
4.2.3. Involvement of Experts and Officials
4.3. Can the Public Play a Useful Part in the Surveillance of Tree Health in the Future?
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Brasier, C.M. The biosecurity threat to the UK and global environment from international trade in plants. Plant. Pathol. 2008, 57, 792–808. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wentworth, J. Invasive Tree Pests and Diseases; PostNote 394; Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology: London, UK, 2011; Available online: http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-394/POST-PN-394.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Britt, C.; Johnston, M. Trees in Towns II. A New Survey of Urban Trees in England and Their Condition and Management; Research for Amenity Trees No, 9; Department for Communities and Local Government: London, UK, 2008; pp. 1–664. ISBN 978-185-112-8891.
- Forestry Commission. 50-Year Forecast of Hardwood Availability; NFI Statistical Analysis Report; Forestry Commission: Edinburgh, UK, 2014. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/2752/50_YEAR_FORECAST_OF_HARDWOOD_AVAILABILITY.pdf (accessed on 26 July 2020).
- Hendry, S.J.; Poole, E.J.; Craig, I.; Proudfoot, J.C. Forest Condition 2004; Forestry Commission: Edinburgh, UK, 2005. Available online: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/fcin075.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Innes, J.L. Assessment of Tree Condition; Forestry Commission Field Book No. 12; HMSO: London, UK, 1990. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/6627/FCFB012.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Strouts, R.G. Monitoring amenity tree health. In Arboricultural Practice: Present and Future; Claridge, J., Ed.; Proceedings of a conference organised by the Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service (Tree Advice Trust) and the Arboricultural Association; Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions: London, UK, 1997; pp. 51–55. [Google Scholar]
- Tubby, K. Monitoring amenity tree health in England. The condition survey of non-woodland amenity trees. In Forest Research Annual Report and Accounts 2005–2006; The Stationery Office: Edinburgh, UK, 2006; pp. 36–43. [Google Scholar]
- Tubby, K. Final Report on the Condition Survey of Non-Woodland Amenity Trees; Forest Research: Farnham, UK, 2006. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/296/Final_report_condition_of_English_non-woodland_amenity_trees_XWMWfJY.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Department of the Environment & Land Use Consultants. Trees in Towns: A Survey of Trees in 66 Towns and Villages in England; Research for Amenity Trees 1; HMSO: London, UK, 1993; ISBN 13: 9780117528451.
- Food & Agriculture Organization. The International Plant. Protection Convention (1997). (New Revised Text.). 2011. Available online: https://www.ippc.int/static/media/files/publication/en/2019/02/1329129099_ippc_2011-12-01_reformatted.pdf (accessed on 25 July 2020).
- Defra. Notifiable Pests. Available online: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/pests-and-diseases/pest-and-disease-alerts/notifiable-pests/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Building the Big Society. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/78979/building-big-society_0.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Defra; Forestry Commission. Action Plan for Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity. 2011. Available online: http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69330/pb13657-tree-health-actionplan.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Observatree. Monitoring Tree Health. Available online: https://www.observatree.org.uk/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Davies, L.; Gosling, L.; Bachariou, C.; Eastwood, J.; Fradera, R.; Manomaiudom, N.; Robins, S. (Eds.) OPAL Community Environment Report. Exploring Nature Together; OPAL: London, UK, 2013; pp. 1–83. ISBN 978-0-9574377-0-8. [Google Scholar]
- Asian Longhorn Beetle Eradicated in the UK. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-longhorn-beetle-eradicated-in-the-uk (accessed on 25 July 2020).
- OPAL Tree Health Survey. Available online: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/opal/surveys/treehealthsurvey/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Forest Condition Survey. Results by Species—Oak. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/forest-condition-survey/results-by-species/results-by-species-oak/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Situation Report—Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/7632/Chalara_sitrep_for_web_May_2020.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Gosling, L.; Sparks, T.H.; Araya, Y.; Harvey, M.; Ansine, J. Differences between urban and rural hedges in England revealed by a citizen science project. BMC Ecol. Suppl. 2016, 16, 45–55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
- Pepper, H.W. Grey squirrels in parks, urban woodlands and amenity plantings. In Arboricultural Practice Note; No. 7; Tree Advice Trust: Farnham, UK, 2003; Available online: https://www.trees.org.uk/getattachment/Help-and-Advice/Tree-Advice-Trust-Legacy/Arb-Practice-Notes/APN7-Grey-Squirrels-in-Parks,-Urban-Woodlands-and-Amenity-Plantings.pdf.aspx (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Plant Health Service. Report on the National Survey to Assess the Presence of Bleeding Canker of Horse Chestnut Trees in Great Britain; Forestry Commission: Edinburgh, UK, 2008. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/2336/bleedcankersurveyrep020408.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Straw, N.A.; Williams, D.T. Impact of the leaf miner Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and bleeding canker disease on horse-chestnut: Direct effects and interaction. Agric. Entomol. 2013, 15, 321–333. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Conker Tree Science. Distribution Map. Available online: http://www.conkertreescience.org.uk/content/distribution (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Tilbury, C.; Evans, H.F. Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner; Cameraria ohridella Desch. & Dem. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae); Forestry Commission Exotic Pest Alert; Forestry Commission: Edinburgh, UK, 2003; pp. 1–4.
- Straw, N.A.; Tilbury, C. Host plants of the horse-chestnut leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella), and the rapid spread of the moth in the UK 2002–2005. Arboric. J. 2006, 29, 83–99. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gilbert, M.; Grégoire, J.-C.; Freise, J.F.; Heitland, W. Long-distance dispersal and human population density allow the prediction of invasive patterns in the horse chestnut leafminer Cameraria Ohridella. J. Anim. Ecol. 2004, 73, 459–468. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Šefrová, H.; Laštůvka, Z. Dispersal of the horse-chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986, in Europe: Its course, ways and causes (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae). Entomol. Z. 2001, 111, 194–198. [Google Scholar]
- Forest Research. Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella). 2020. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/horse-chestnut-leaf-miner-cameraria-ohridella/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Hull, S.K.; Gibbs, J.N. Ash Dieback—A Survey of Non-Woodland Trees; Forestry Commission Bulletin 93; HMSO: London, UK, 1991; pp. 1–18.
- Forestry Commission. Chalara (Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus). Available online: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/chalaramap/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- TreeAlert. Available online: https://treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Bradbury, H.; Reason, P. (Eds.) Handbook of Action Research: Participative Inquiry and Practice, 2nd ed.; Sage Publications: London, UK, 2008; pp. 1–720. ISBN 978-1-4129-2029-2. [Google Scholar]
- Forest Research. Extent of the Bleeding Canker of Horse Chestnut Problem. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/bleeding-canker-of-horse-chestnut/extent-of-the-bleeding-canker-of-horse-chestnut-problem/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Forest Research. Cameraria ohridella. Available online: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/cameraria-ohridella/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Aceves-Bueno, E.; Adeleye, A.S.; Feraud, M.; Huang, Y.; Tao, M.; Yang, Y.; Anderson, S.E. The accuracy of citizen science data: A quantitative review. Bull. Ecol. Soc. Am. 2017, 98, 278–290. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Lakeman-Fraser, P.; Gosling, L.; Moffat, A.J.; West, S.E.; Fradera, R.; Davies, L.; Ayamba, M.A.; van der Wal, R. To have your citizen science cake and eat it? Delivering outreach and environmental monitoring through Open Air Laboratories (OPAL). BMC Ecol. Suppl. 2016, S16, 57–70. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Treezilla. Available online: https://www.treezilla.org/treezilla/page/About/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Crow, P.; Perez-Sierra, A.; Kavčič, A.; Lewthwaite, K.; Kolšek, M.; Ogris, N.; Piškur, B.; Veenvliet, J.K.; Zidar, S.; Sancisi-Frey, S.; et al. (in preparation). Using citizen science to monitor the spread of tree pests and diseases: Outcomes of two projects in Slovenia and the UK. Manag. Biol. Invasions. in press.
- Ministère de L’agriculture; de L’agroalimentaire et de la Forêt. L’expertise et L’expérience au Service de la Santé des Forêts. Témoignages des Correspondants-Observateurs du Dsf. 2015. Available online: https://agriculture.gouv.fr/telecharger/82603?token=c2d1506fbcb716486db5175a3317650e (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Conker Tree Science. Available online: http://www.conkertreescience.org.uk/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. Invasive Species; First Report of Session 2019; House of Commons: London, UK, 2019. Available online: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201919/cmselect/cmenvaud/88/88.pdf (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. TreeCheck. Available online: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-treecheck (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Norsk Institutt for Bioøkonomi (NIBIO). Skogskader.no. Available online: https://skogskader.nibio.no/help (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet. Skogsskada. Available online: https://www.slu.se/centrumbildningar-och-projekt/skogsskada/ (accessed on 28 June 2020).
- Forestry Commission. Find a Specific Tree Pest or Disease. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-specific-tree-pest-or-disease (accessed on 13 August 2020).
Question Category | Answer Variables |
---|---|
Have you carried out a field survey before this one? | Yes, No |
1. Date of survey | dd/mm/yyyy format |
2. Who did you do the tree health survey with? | Primary school, Secondary school, Youth group, Adult Volunteer group, Family or friends, College/university, Other (free text), buddy |
3. Are you involved in working with trees or forestry? | No, Yes, as part of a volunteer group or society, Yes, I work in the industry |
4. Record the location of your tree | Latitude/Longitude (automatically calculated) from address, postcode or click location on map |
5. Which of these best describes your survey area? | Street, Garden, School, Park, Open field, Hedge, Edge of woodland, Inside woodland, Other (free text) |
6. What is the ground cover around the base of the tree? | Grass or other plants, Bare soil, Hard surface, Fallen leaves |
7. If there are fallen leaves beneath the tree, how many are there? | A few, A lot, Ground completely covered |
8. Record the name of the tree (tree species) | Drop down list provided, other (free text) |
9. Measure the girth (circumference) of the trunk at 1.3 m (130 cm) above the ground | Numbers only (cm) |
10. Measure the height of the tree | Numbers only (m) |
11. Is the tree taller or shorter than most other trees nearby? | Shorter, Taller Same Hight, No trees nearby |
12. Which of these best shows the shape of your tree? | Graphics given for: Spreading, Oval, Fan, Column, Cone |
13. Estimate how much of the view through the crown is made up of leaves. | No leaves, 25%, 50%, 75%, All leaves |
14. Can you see any dead wood (branches that have no leaves or twigs on them)? | Yes, No If Yes, Less than a quarter, Between one quarter and one half, Between one half and three quarters, More than three quarters |
15. What types of leaf browning can you see on the tree? | Tick all that apply: Brown leaf edges, Brown spots, Leaves all brown, none |
16. If there is leaf browning, how much can you see? | Less than a quarter, Between one quarter and one half, Between one half and three quarters, More than three quarters |
17. What types of leaf yellowing can you see on the tree? | Tick all that apply: Yellow leaf edges, Yellow spots, Leaves all Yellow, none |
18. If there is leaf yellowing, how much can you see? | Less than a quarter, Between one quarter and one half, Between one half and three quarters, More than three quarters |
19. Can you see any of the following signs of insect damage on the leaves? | Check any that apply: Leaf holes, Leaf mining, Leaf galls, No damage |
20. Record any animals, signs of animal activity, plants or fungi | Birds or birds’ nests, Burrows at base, Fungi, Hollow, Ivy, Mosses or lichens, Squirrels, Spiders or insects, Other |
Medal Award | Based on a calculation of the previous entries, the tree was awarded a medal: Gold, Silver, Bronze, No medal |
Common Name | Latin Name | Quarantine Status in 2013 |
---|---|---|
Pests and diseases of oak (Quercus spp.) | ||
Knopper gall | Andricus quercuscalicis | Present; first found in 1950s |
Tortrix moth | Tortrix viridana | Present; native |
Oak mildew | Erisiphe alphitoides | Present; first found in 1908 |
Oak decline | Caused by a combination of pests and diseases; Agrilus oak beetles are attracted to the weakened trees | Present |
Pests and diseases of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) | ||
Ash bud moth | Prays fraxinella | Present; native |
Ash key gall | Aceria fraxinivorus | Present; native |
Nectria canker | Neonectria galligena | Present; native |
Ash decline | Caused by a combination of factors that affect roots and cause decline | Present |
Pests and diseases of horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) | ||
Horse-chestnut leaf miner | Cameraria ohridella | Present; first found in 2002 |
Horse-chestnut scale | Pulvinaria regalis | Present; first found in 1964 |
Horse-chestnut leaf blotch | Guignardia aesculi | Present; first found in 1935 |
Horse-chestnut bleeding canker | Pseudomonas syringae pathovar aesculi | Present; first found in early 2000s |
Question Category | Answer Variables |
---|---|
Did you spot any Oak pests or diseases? | Yes, No |
If yes, is this the tree surveyed in Activity 1 | Yes, No |
Which Oak pests or diseases did you spot? Check any that apply. | Oak mildew, Knopper gall, Tortrix moth, Oak decline |
Please upload a photo of the Oak disease(s) you have found | |
Did you spot any Ash pests or diseases? | Yes, No |
If yes, is this the tree surveyed in Activity 1 | Yes, No |
Which Ash pests or diseases did you spot? Check any that apply. | Ash bud moth, Ash key gall, Nectria canker, Ash decline |
Please upload a photo of the Ash disease(s) you have found | |
Did you spot any Horse-chestnut pests or diseases? | Yes, No |
If yes, is this the tree surveyed in Activity 1 | Yes, No |
Which Horse-chestnut pests or diseases did you spot? Check any that apply. | Horse-chestnut leaf blotch, Horse-chestnut leaf miner, Horse-chestnut bleeding canker, Horse-chestnut scale |
Please upload a photo of the Horse-chestnut disease(s) you have found |
Common Name | Latin Name | Threat | Quarantine Status in UK (2013) |
---|---|---|---|
Asian longhorn beetle | Anoplophora glabripennis | Major threat to a wide range of broad-leaved trees, especially Acer spp. Most damage caused by larvae tunnelling through wood. | Not yet established; single outbreak found in 2012 (now eradicated) [17] |
Citrus longhorn beetle | Anoplophora chinensis | Major threat to a wide range of broad-leaved trees, especially Acer spp. Most damage caused by larvae tunnelling through wood. | Not present; occasional interceptions on imported trees |
Emerald ash borer | Agrilus planipennis | Major threat to ash (Fraxinus spp.). Most damage caused by larvae tunnelling through wood. | Not present |
Oak processionary moth | Thaumetopoea processionea | Caterpillars cause severe defoliation of oak (Quercus spp.) and pose a human health risk from toxic irritating hairs. | Very limited distribution in the UK; first found in 2006 |
Pine processionary moth | Thaumetopoea pityocampa | Caterpillars cause severe defoliation of pine (Pinus spp.) and pose a human health risk from toxic irritating hairs. | Not present in the UK |
Chalara ash dieback | Hymenoscyphus fraxineus | Major threat to ash (Fraxinus spp.). Fungus causes defoliation, dieback and death. | Limited distribution in the UK |
Question Category | Answer Variables |
---|---|
Have you found any of our Most Unwanted? Check any that apply. | Yes, No Asian longhorn beetle, Citrus longhorn beetle, Emerald ash borer, Oak processionary moth, Pine processionary moth, and Chalara ash dieback |
Did you survey a second tree at the same location on the same date? | Yes, No If yes, questions repeat |
Did you survey a third tree at the same location on the same date? | Yes, No If yes, questions repeat |
Question Category | Answer Variables |
---|---|
Where did you get your survey pack? | Downloaded from OPAL website, OPAL scientist/OPAL event, (NFWI Wales Tree Project), Other (free text) |
Did you learn something new about your local environment? | Yes, No |
Have you developed new skills? | Yes, No |
Would you recommend OPAL to your family and friends? | Yes, No |
Do you feel that taking part in this survey has changed the way you think about the environment? | Yes, No |
Will you change your behaviour towards the environment? | Yes, No |
Comments | Free text |
© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Slawson, D.D.; Moffat, A.J. How Effective Are Citizen Scientists at Contributing to Government Tree Health Public Engagement and Surveillance Needs—An Analysis of the UK Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Survey Model. Insects 2020, 11, 550. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11090550
Slawson DD, Moffat AJ. How Effective Are Citizen Scientists at Contributing to Government Tree Health Public Engagement and Surveillance Needs—An Analysis of the UK Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Survey Model. Insects. 2020; 11(9):550. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11090550
Chicago/Turabian StyleSlawson, David D., and Andy J. Moffat. 2020. "How Effective Are Citizen Scientists at Contributing to Government Tree Health Public Engagement and Surveillance Needs—An Analysis of the UK Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Survey Model" Insects 11, no. 9: 550. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11090550