Branching out - Why our trees matter and what we can do to help them

There are an estimated 3 billion trees in the UK, covering those in woodlands, commercial plantations, along streets, and those in parks and gardens. They form an important component of woodland and other habitats and also play a role in carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, flood resilience, reducing noise and air pollution. As a recreational resource they help our physical and mental health and have immense social and cultural importance. Taking all of these factors into account the 2022 Woodland Natural Capital Accounts estimated that woodlands and trees in the UK provide £8, 938 million of ecosystem services annually. The threat posed by tree pests and diseases therefore has far-reaching consequences.

Explore the captivating world of plants and natural products and their role in drug discovery. This talk will focus on a range of bioactive compounds that were developed into drugs. From ancient herbal remedies to cutting-edge research, discover how we can sustainably unlock the medicinal benefits hidden within nature.

Every year, thousands of trees and wood products are imported from all around the world. Products such as trees for planting and improperly treated wood items including furniture, wood packaging materials, and isolated bark can potentially harbour non-native invasive insect pests that pose a threat to our forestry industry and native trees. What are these pests? What do they look like? What damage can they do? And what can we do to stop their spread and protect our trees?

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes at the pioneering, innovative educational collaboration between VISR, Askham Bryan College, The Yorkshire Arboretum and Fera Science Ltd and DEFRA. Get a first look at our immersive, cutting-edge virtual reality experience, guiding students through the Yorkshire Arboretum to unravel the mysteries of the invasive Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans). This interactive journey explores the beetle's life cycle, sheds light on the threat it poses to forests and allows students to consider potential mitigation strategies. Engage in collaborative puzzles and activities that nurture critical thinking skills, providing a deep understanding of biosecurity practices and invasive species management.
Our technological fusion combines high-resolution bark scans, 3D modelling, LIDAR scans, and 360 panoramas, creating a visually captivating digital Arboretum for exploration and education. Find out about how learning progress can be tracked with VR assessments, quizzes, and participation feedback, ensuring an enriching and dynamic learning experience that seamlessly merges technology with ecology