Hawthorn is the backbone of UK hedgerows, making up around 70% of their structure, yet its resilience to pests, diseases, and climate change remains poorly understood.
We need your help to look out for hawthorns in your local area that look healthy (asymptomatic) and those showing suspected symptoms of diseases (symptomatic). We are focusing on Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) and Gymnosporangium rusts (G.clavariiforme and G. confusum). We are asking you to follow our sampling protocol which will enable you to get involved by taking photographs and sending in samples of hawthorn near you.
Details of how to take part can be found here: Hawthorn Sampling Protocol – The Tree Council.