On 3rd November, Action Oak invited leading experts in oak research, management and tree security to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh for a first of its kind symposium.
Specialists across the UK gathered for a unique in-person opportunity to discuss the future of native oak trees and woodlands.
Individuals and organisations shared knowledge, raise questions, and discussed challenges impacting the health of oak trees and their future.
The Royal Forestry Society is the host organisation for the Action Oak partnership.
The Symposium was invite online, bringing 57 key voices together.
Keynote and Presentations
Attendees heard from keynote speaker Bianca Ambrose-Oji, from Forest Research, who discussed: "Securing the Future of Oak: Science, Resilience, and the Challenge of Environmental Change". Following the keynote, presentations from leading researchers and practitioners covered opportunities and threats to native oaks, including collaborative research, root integrity and grey squirrel damage.
Research Roadmap Workshop
Attendees also engaged in a participatory workshop to discuss the UK Oaks Research Roadmap, developed by Action Oak's Director, Annabel Narayanan and Research Coordinator, Professor Melanie Smith.
The roadmap centres around three impact themes: threat, recovery, and growth. Participants were invited to view the current Roadmap draft and provide insights and expertise to develop it further.
The Symposium brought together the most important voices in oak health and practice to grow conversations about the research and actions needed to protect native oaks. It is vital we develop and work together in partnership to ensure we address rising threats to oak health
Professor Nicola Spence CBE, Chair of Action Oak, said the above.
Next Steps
The Research Roadmap directly informs UK strategy for oak health, management, and conservation, making the opinions of attendees invaluable. A first of its kind event, the Symposium will guide the future success of oak trees across the country. More information and updates on the outcomes of the Symposium can be found on the Action Oak website.
The primary goal of the workshop was for attendees to provide feedback on the UK Oak Research Roadmap, which has been developed by Action Oak's research coordinator, Professor Melanie Smith.
The Roadmap will directly inform the UK's strategy for oak health and management by focusing on the impacts of research and evidence across three themes: threats, recovery and growth.
A publication of the roadmap is expected to be published in 2027.
