Forest and Tree Health

The Forest Service monitors the health of trees and woodlands in Northern Ireland. Details of how we do this are given on this page.

There are a number of surveys carried out annually in Forest Service woodlands, to monitor the health of the trees and the presence of insect pests.

The Forest Condition Survey carried out in specific forest plots in Northern Ireland, is part of a pan-European experimental survey designed to detect changes in foliage density due to air pollution. It has been carried out annually, under an EU Directive, since 1985.

The Forest Insect Survey is carried out annually in conjunction with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and also has its origins in European legislation. This annual survey is vital in monitoring the movement and abundance of specific forest insects on a local and continental level.