National Plant Health Week 2026 runs from 11th to 15th May, with more than 30 organisations across the UK, from government agencies and research institutes to conservation charities and professional bodies, coming together to raise the profile of plant health and the people who work to protect it. BSPP is proud to be part of that community, and this week is an opportunity for our members to be recognised, to connect, and to amplify the work they do every day.
Tuesday 12th May, is the United Nations International Day of Plant Health, with a global focus on plant biosecurity for food security. This theme will resonate strongly with plant pathologists working at the interface of science, surveillance and policy.
This year’s themes
The week is structured around five daily themes, with a strong emphasis on people and action:
- Monday 11 May: Plant health and its importance in protecting against climate change and the decline of biodiversity
- Tuesday 12 May: International Day of Plant Health, Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
- Wednesday 13 May: Plant Heroes, celebrating those working across the plant health community
- Thursday 14 May: Science Day, celebrating plant health scientists and the research being undertaken
- Friday 15 May: Action Day, the 10th anniversary relaunch of the Forestry Commission’s Keep it Clean biosecurity campaign
Wednesday and Thursday are for you
Plant Heroes Day (Wednesday) and Science Day (Thursday) are the days we want to draw particular attention to for BSPP members. These two days exist to celebrate the scientists, diagnosticians, researchers and professionals whose work underpins our collective ability to protect the UK’s plants and trees from disease.
Organisations including APHA, Forest Research, the Forestry Commission, and the Royal Society of Biology are all producing content spotlighting their plant health scientists and heroes. We’ll be sharing and amplifying these on our LinkedIn page, and we’d love to add BSPP member voices to the mix. If you’d like to share your work this week, or nominate a colleague, tag us or drop us a message, we’d be delighted to amplify it.
Events and webinars during the week
There are two free online events taking place during the week that may be of particular interest to BSPP members:
Fera Science Webinar — Plant Health: Science, Policy and Global Resilience
Wednesday 13 May | Online via Microsoft Teams
This panel webinar brings together experts to discuss biosecurity and surveillance, the changing policy landscape, and innovations in diagnostics and detection. Speakers include Neil Boonham (Fera), Matt Elliott (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh), David Kenyon (Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland) and Helen Anderson (Defra).
Register here: Microsoft Teams Events
UK Squirrel Accord Webinar — Grey Squirrel Bark Stripping
Monday 12 May, 12:00–13:00 | Online via Zoom
This webinar explores why grey squirrels target certain trees, featuring PhD research on squirrel behavioural responses to tree volatile organic compounds, and the National Forest’s Grey Squirrel Activity and Impact Assessment methodology. The UK Squirrel Accord is also collecting bark damage data throughout 2026.
Register here: Zoom registration link
How you can get involved
There are practical steps everyone can take to be a responsible plant health citizen:
- Use TreeAlert to report concerns about tree health; there is a particular focus on sweet chestnut trees.
- Use Observatree and the iNaturalist plant health project to look out for signs of pests and diseases.
- Buy plants from reputable UK suppliers, such as those with Plant Healthy certification. When buying online, check that the seller is authorised.
- Keep it Clean, clean boots and bike tyres before visiting woodlands and parks to avoid spreading soil-borne pests.
- Don’t bring plant material (plants, seeds, fruit) back from trips abroad.
- If growing plants for free from cuttings or supermarket veg, quarantine new material for a couple of weeks and grow in containers on hard standing before introducing to your garden.
Follow the week
BSPP will be posting daily on LinkedIn throughout the week, sharing and amplifying content from partner organisations. Follow us and look out for content using:
- #PlantHealthWeek
- #PlantHealthHeroes
- #PlantHealthDay (12 May)
For the full programme of activities, visit the Plant Health Action website.
