Changes in the frequency and occurrence of pests and pathogens are seen as significant potential threats to our tree resource. Increased stress on tree health is anticipated with environmental change, further increasing tree susceptibility to pests and pathogens. Impacts in the forest ecosystem as a result of changes to management practise and environmental variability are also poorly understood.

Oxford-Sylva Graduate Scholarship: the theme of the scholarship is healthy trees and productive forests. This reflects a joint vision between the Sylva Foundation and the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, to foster a robust tree and forest resource in the light of projected environmental change. Maintaining a healthy and functioning tree resource is critically important to support sustainable development.