Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of acute oak decline in the UK; and what steps they are taking to minimise its impact.

We have a dedicated programme of risk and horizon scanning, which continuously and proactively assesses emerging threats to plant health and the potential impact on the UK.

Acute oak decline is a complex disease of native species of oak (Quercus robur and Quercus petraea) that mostly affects mature trees aged over 50 years. It has been established in the UK for many years and does not meet the criteria for a regulated pest. The Pest Risk Analysis for Acute oak decline is attached to this answer and is available to view on the UK Plant Health Risk Register, together with the risk ratings and current mitigations for this disease. The disease has been prioritised for research, survey to monitor its distribution, and management by industry.

Defra has invested over £1 million in research to understand the causes, distribution and scale of acute oak decline in the UK. Forest Research has used this research to inform published distribution maps and management guidance for landowners. Research on acute oak decline is also supported by Action Oak, a pioneering new partnership launched in 2018, which is part of the Government’s response to concerns about the long-term future of our oak trees.