As part of the International Year of Plant Health, DEFRA is hosting the UK’s first Plant Health Week, in collaboration with multiple organisations in the plant and forestry sectors.

The week will run from 21–27 September and intends to raise awareness of plant health threats and the actions people can take to keep plants healthy.

The campaign will be digitally led, with content being posted by various partners including the Forestry Commission, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, HTA, RHS, the Tree Council, the UK Research Institute, and more. Each day of the week will be themed around a key area, including safe sourcing and biosecurity.

Speaking about the UK’s first Plant Health Week, minister for biosecurity, Lord Gardiner, said: “Climate change and increasing globalisation has huge implications for the health of the world’s plants, which is why in the UN designated International Year of Plant Health, we are holding the UK’s first Plant Health Week.

“This week will help raise awareness of the risks that our plants face, and I encourage everyone – from retailers and nurseries, to gardeners and children – to support this campaign and glean helpful tips on how to keep our plants healthy, by practicing good biosecurity.

“From the biggest forests and national parks, to what we plant in our own gardens, we need to celebrate this beautiful rich tapestry we see in everyday life and help protect the nation’s trees and plants from harmful pest and diseases.”

DEFRA is urging people to look out for social media content throughout the week and share it amongst their channels, using the hashtag #PlantHealthWeek and #IYPH.

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