Robert Gordon University (RGU) is playing a key role in a major UK-wide research project aimed at strengthening the nation's preparedness against devastating tree diseases that threaten biodiversity, landscapes and the economy.
The University has secured approximately £500,000 as part of the ADATREE Project, a collaborative initiative led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with a total value of over £3,000,000. The project is funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)'s latest investment in epidemic preparedness research.
Trees, woods and forests play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, tackling climate change, sustaining wildlife habitats and underpinning local economies. Hundreds of species of plants, animals, insects and fungi rely on specific tree species, while iconic trees help define the character and identity of places across the UK.
However, the growing threat of tree diseases presents significant environmental, social and economic risks. The impact of Ash Dieback alone has been estimated at around £15 billion and has led to the loss of millions of trees across the UK.
Through ADAPTREE, researchers will work to improve preparedness for future tree disease outbreaks, helping communities, land managers and policymakers respond more effectively to emerging threats.
At RGU, a design-led team will collaborate with social scientists at the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucester and at Forest Research to develop practical preparedness tools, future scenarios and decision-making pathways that can support professionals and communities in protecting treescapes and responding to disease risks.
The University's contribution will also draw on the internationally recognised expertise of Gray's School of Art, which has pioneered innovative approaches to culture-based climate action and environmental engagement.
Gray's has a strong track record of embedding artists and designers within environmental research programmes. The School led the Royal Society of Edinburgh-funded NewLeaves Network, which explored the role of artists in woodland creation, and has contributed arts and design expertise to several major Future of UK Treescapes research projects.
Professor Nick Fyfe, Vice-Principal Research at Robert Gordon University, said: "We’re delighted to be part of this Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew-led collaboration, bringing together expertise from across the UK to address a challenge of national importance. RGU's role is focused on understanding how preparedness can be designed and embedded in practice, helping professionals, policymakers and communities anticipate future risks and respond effectively.
"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 from Gray's School of Art, added: "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 just how profound those consequences can be and reinforced the importance of moving from reacting to crises towards preparing for them.
"Artists and designers can play a unique role in imagining environmental change and focusing on preferred futures. Through ADAPTREE, we will build on our experience of working with natural and social science researchers, communities and environmental partners to understand how to manage and protect trees, woodland and forests for future generations through designing better processes.”
Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Professor Lucy Chappell, said: “In our interconnected world, we must recognise that the health of humans, animals, and the wider environment are inherently linked and interdependent. DHSC is pleased to co-fund this important research project.”
The project forms part of a wider UKRI investment designed to strengthen resilience to biological threats affecting people, animals, plants and the environment through a One Health approach.