Plant Biosecurity for Local Authorities

 Delivered online via Microsoft Teams

To learn more about our in-house option, please contact us for details: [email protected]

Ash Dieback, Oak Processionary Moth, Asian Longhorn Beetles, Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed are just a few examples of the diseases, pests and non-native invasive species which UK local authorities are struggling to control,

It is likely that most of these pests and invasive species, could have been avoided, or controlled, through the use of plant biosecurity measures.

To help local authorities with these growing problems, APSE is holding an online training course on the whole issue of plant biosecurity; outlining what it means, the pests and invasive species we are currently dealing with, and may have to deal with in the future, how government agencies are working to support local authorities and most importantly,  explaining how local authorities, by adopting plant biosecurity measures, can deliver solutions to these problems.

This course will help attendees to understand and critically,  be prepared to address  the issue of plant biosecurity across their whole organisation, partners and other stakeholders in order to ensure the future security and sustainability of UK plants and trees and wider greenspaces. 

Who should attend ?

This online training course is a critical learning opportunity and must attend event, for all those who are involved in sourcing, purchasing, and caring for plants and trees in their local greenspaces. This includes: portfolio holders, elected members, planners, parks professionals, tree officers, ecology and biodiversity officers, climate change officers, economic development officers, front line operatives such as gardeners, and indeed any external stakeholders and community groups and volunteers who are involved in helping local authorities manage plant, trees and greenspaces.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training you will: 

• Have a better understanding as to what 'plant biosecurity' means and its origins.
• Understand the historical development and approaches previously used to combat plant pathogens and insect pests.
• Recognise the current and future plant pathogens and insect threats to the UK.
• Be aware of the negative impacts plant pathogens, insect pests and non-native invasive plant species have on the UK environment, economy and well-being.
• Develop a toolkit of operational practice to promote and implement plant biosecurity practices in your workplace.
• Appreciate the importance of developing formal plant biosecurity policies and awareness raising programmes in helping raise the issue across all council services and wider stakeholders and residents.
• Develop an action plan to instil plant biosecurity measures into your operational practices

This course will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. To access it, you will need a WiFi connection or mobile data hotspot. Downloading Microsoft Teams to your laptop, desktop or smart device will give a better performance and greater functionality throughout the day.  This highly interactive training includes a mixture of presentations, video conferencing, group work, games, quizzes and video.

Click on the buttons for more information about the course

APSE Trainers

Course Brochure (pdf)

Duration 

This course is offered as a full day or split over two days.

AM sessions:      09:00 Start        12:30 Finish

PM sessions:      13:00 Start        16:30 Finish