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Paper short abstract:

Focusing on an under-researched yet critical cohort within British forestry we shall explore the relationship between woodland management, health, and the microbiome; and the insights this offers into the linkages between complex ecosystems, arboreal pest & disease management, and human wellbeing.

Paper long abstract:

Managers of private woodland less than five hectares in size – often much less – are a significant and increasing cohort within the British forestry landscape. These managers are often viewed as a homogenous social group within the sector – often grouped as 'hobby' owners – yet in reality are diverse and disunited, sharing few universal commonalities in terms of demographics or woodland practices; except crucially, as increasingly major actors in the preservation of the UK’s forests. This paper shall engage with recent research conducted amongst this group focused on acute oak decline, which engages with the critical relationship between manager, woodland, and the microbiome.

Given how central the microbiome is to the health of all complex lifeforms, improved knowledge of how it is understood and (possibly) managed, and how it interlinks with larger ecosystems, could provide a significant advancement in the management of pests and diseases. Furthermore, we ask whether by learning about the microbiome and its connection with being well and unwell, managers and others could simultaneously improve BOTH their human and forest health? These issues are under-researched despite their significance, yet provide intriguing opportunities to reflect on how microbial health and management is considered amongst humans, woodlands, and beyond.