Ulster Unionist MLA and party Agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has urged the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment at Stormont to back the Woodland Trust's Observatree Project.

Commenting Mrs Dobson said: "Following on from the damaging and costly effects of Ash Dieback reaching our shores, this innovative, industry-led project aims to develop a tree health early warning system to detect tree pests and diseases.

"The project engages volunteers to play their role in woodland health by reporting tree health incidents via an app, which are then verified by experts.

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"Farmers know too well that extra Government red tape isn't always the answer – key players in the industry can often deliver better solutions. I believe this project gives our local departments a brilliant opportunity to work with the key players in this area, to forge a partnership which will bring maximum benefit at minimum cost to the tax payer.

"The Observatree project includes British Government bodies including FERA, Forestry Commission as well as the Woodland and Nation Trusts.

"Ultimately Observatree, which is being operated on a UK-wide basis, will help to gather reports of tree disease from across the UK, giving top scientists and tree health experts the key information about outbreaks.

"All too often local departments believe they have all the answers and go it alone, failing to involve the key players. I am urging both the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment to back this initiative and have written to them on the issue."

(CD/JP)