The UK is blessed with a diverse range of plants and trees. Yet the threat to the health of plants and trees from pests and diseases is real and increasing.
The ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign aims to protect the country by asking people to not bring back plants, seeds, flowers, fruit or vegetables into the UK from their travels abroad. Pests and diseases can be present on plants, seeds, flowers, fruit and vegetables, even if they look healthy, and on soil clinging to the roots of plants or on plant products, like root vegetables.
The UK government has invested more than £4.5 million to strengthen border security, recruiting new plant inspectors and enhancing training. The UK Plant Health risk register is the most comprehensive in the world, containing over 1000 pests and diseases which are regularly reviewed and prioritised for action, by government and industry.
Click here for more information on the government campaign to keep pests and diseases out of the UK.