iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Over summer, @exeter.ac.uk student Louisa was hosted by our REWARD project through the @rsb.org.uk Plant Health Undergraduate Studentship Programme! 🎓 In this blog, she shares how the placement strengthened her passion for plant science and inspired her future career ambitions: shorturl.at/TUp6l

Person wearing a backpack-mounted device uses a laptop in a large greenhouse structure. Monitoring equipment and sensors are set up on a table in the foreground, with equipment, bags, and workstations visible around the greenhouse. Red-and-white tape marks off sections of the growing area.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Last month, we were delighted to showcase the brilliant work of two of our PhD researchers in a series of free webinars 💻👏 The first webinar focused on grey squirrel bark stripping and the second on perspectives on elm restoration. Find out more and access recordings here: shorturl.at/6phpl 👈

Promotional banner for the Centre for Forest Protection CFP PhD Researcher Webinar Series, September 2026. The design features a large green tree against a blue sky, circular inset photos of people and a bird in the upper-right corner, and logos for Forest Research and DEFRA-funded Kew at the bottom. A red YouTube play button icon appears in the lower-right corner. Visible text reads: “CFP PhD Researcher Webinar Series” and “September 2026.”

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

In July, our Education & Training Lead Suzy attended 'Plant Health 2026' hosted by Fera, a conference designed to foster greater understanding and collaboration between government bodies, research organisations and agencies involved in plant health 🤝🍃 Read her reflections: shorturl.at/pg5AD 👈

Audience members seated in a conference room facing a large presentation screen at the front of the room. Rows of attendees listen to a speaker during a professional event, with presentation slides displayed on a projector screen. Natural light enters from windows on the left, and the room features a modern conference setup.

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Forest Research @forestresearchuk.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 - 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟯𝟬 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱. Whether you're a large organisation or a one-person business, your data helps build a clearer picture of the sector. Help shape the future of forestry: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/census

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Tom and the team on a brilliant interview, and a big thank you to the team at Wakehurst for their support 🥳👏 #Windstorms #ContinuousCoverForestry #CCF #WoodlandManagement #BBCTechNow @forestresearchuk.bsky.social Image credit: © RBG Kew

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Earlier in the summer @drtomlocatelli.bsky.social who leads our 'Wind within the trees' project was invited to speak to BBC Tech Now about the team's work at @rbgkew.bsky.social Wakehurst 🍃 We are delighted to share that you can now watch the piece here: tinyurl.com/BBCTechNow 👈 (from 17:30 mins)

A camera mounted on a tripod records two people standing and talking beside a large tree in a wooded area. Dense green vegetation surrounds the scene, with sunlight filtering through the trees and additional filming equipment visible in the background.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thank you again to everyone who has attended this series and shown interest in our research! To be the first to hear when we announce future events, and publish new research, you can sign up to our mailing list here: shorturl.at/y9QYn ✅ #PhDResearch #TreeResearch #ForestProtectoin #TreeHealth

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Homepage - Centre for Forest Protection

The Center for Forest Protection safeguards forests, trees, and woodlands with science, research, advice, and training.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to the second webinar in our PhD researcher series today! 👏 Recordings of both webinars in this series will soon be available to view via our YouTube channel: shorturl.at/jvksW Keep an eye on our website and social media to hear when they are published! 📽️👀

shorturl.at

Centre for Forest Protection

The Centre for Forest Protection is a Defra-funded joint venture led by Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, combining the strengths and expertise of each organisation. In addition to state-...

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Tomorrow, CFP PhD researcher, Fritha West will be giving an overview of her research into the ecological and cultural restoration of elm in Britain 🌳 📅 Tuesday 22 September 2026 🕙 11:15 am - 12:00 pm BST 👉 Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a26c83... #Webinar #PhDResearch #CFP

Head-and-shoulders outdoor portrait of a person standing in a rugged upland landscape. The person is wearing a large multicoloured scarf and a backpack. Behind them, a winding road follows a valley through brown grassy hills, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance. The scene is lit by low, warm sunlight, creating bright highlights and a lens flare across the image.

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The Tree Council @thetreecouncil.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We have some brilliant Seed Gathering Season online talks coming up very soon! First up is our Seed Gathering Masterclass; join us in exploring the fascinating world of tree seeds.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

If you would like to learn more about the role of genetics in tree health and forest resilience, check out our latest free training module developed by some of the researchers behind this new publication: www.forestprotection.uk/training/ 🧬

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🌱 Our ‘Transforming ash genomics' project team have today published a new study in Nature Communications, which presents the first-ever European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) pangenome, using high-quality DNA to aid research into natural ash dieback resistance 🧬🌳 Find out more: shorturl.at/4yygu 👈 #Ash

A person in a white lab coat and purple gloves examining a sample tube in a bright laboratory, with scientific equipment, pipettes and workbenches visible beside large windows overlooking a garden.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Yesterday, Dr Alex Ash gave a brilliant presentation on her PhD research into why grey squirrels bark strip, followed by Dr Cally Ham who gave a fascinating overview into the teams current research on developing novel methods to understand and mitigate grey squirrel bark-stripping behaviour! 🐿️

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to the first webinar in our PhD researcher series yesterday! 👏 There is still time to sign up to our next webinar on the ecological and cultural restoration of elm in Britain! 🌳 📅 Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 🕙 11:15am - 12:00pm BST 👉 Register here: shorturl.at/Vj6rE

Side-by-side photos of researchers in outdoor environments. The left image shows a person wearing a cap and backpack in a mountainous landscape with low cloud, with a small inset photo showing another person undertaking fieldwork involving the handling of a mammal while wearing protective equipment. The right image shows another person outdoors beside a winding river in a moorland landscape, with mountains in the background and low sunlight.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Tomorrow, former CFP PhD researcher, Dr Alexandra Ash will be giving a presentation on her PhD research which focused on investigating the drivers of bark-stripping behaviour in invasive grey squirrels 🪵🐿️ 📅 Tuesday 15 September 2026 🕙 11:15 am - 12:00 pm BST 👉 Register here: tinyurl.com/2s399kdk

Portrait photo of a person wearing a beige Columbia cap and a red hiking backpack, standing on a mountain trail overlooking a lake and green hills partly covered by low clouds. In the top-right corner, a circular inset image shows a different person wearing gloves and a face mask while handling a badger during outdoor fieldwork.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We are delighted to announce the launch of 'The role of genetics in tree health and forest resilience' - the third free e-learning module in our ‘Resilience fundamentals' training package 🎉 Find out more: www.forestprotection.uk/2026/09/03/t... 👈 @rbgkew.bsky.social @forestresearchuk.bsky.social

Laptop screen displaying an online learning module from the Centre for Forest Protection, with logos for Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The screen text reads: “Resilience fundamentals, tree health and non-native pests and pathogens” and “Module 3: The role of genetics in tree health and forest resilience,” with a green “Start” button below. The laptop is shown against a light background.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Have you registered for our upcoming free webinar series yet? 🤔 Find out more below and sign up here: www.forestprotection.uk/2026/08/10/c... #PhDResearch #EarlyCareers #TreeHealth #ForestProtection #ForestMangement #GreySquirrels #BarkStripping #Restoration #Elm 👇👇👇

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

📢 Upcoming webinar series! 💻🌳 Join us in September when two of our PhD researchers will be giving an overview of their research projects and results, in our upcoming free webinar series 👇 📅 Tuesday 15 & 22 Sep 2026 🕙 11:15 am - 12:00 pm BST 💻 Online ❓ Live Q&A Read more: tinyurl.com/cfpwebinars

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Dr Alexandra Ash, the lead author, and Dr Cally Ham will be presenting on this, and their ongoing research in our upcoming free webinar on Tue 15 Sep, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm (BST) - register here: www.forestprotection.uk/events/ 💻✅

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Our Grey Squirrel Damage team have published a review of the literature on grey squirrel bark-stripping behaviour with the goal of identifying methods to understand and mitigate this, using non-lethal management options, within squirrel species worldwide 📑🪵 Find out more: tinyurl.com/mryj9bhb 👈

Close-up of a grey squirrel standing on a rough surface, looking directly at the camera. The squirrel has a brownish-grey fur coat, a bushy tail partially visible behind it, and its front paws positioned forward. Dry brown leaves are scattered around on the ground.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

At the time of writing, over two-thirds of England have been declared in drought. But how does #drought affect trees & forests? And how is our research helping to improve #forestresilience to drought? 🌳🔬 Find out in our latest blog: tinyurl.com/cfp-drought @forestresearchuk.bsky.social #TreeHealth

Young conifer sapling growing in a dry, cleared forest area, with sparse vegetation and drought-affected ground stretching into the background under a cloudy sky.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In our webinar on 22 Sep, Fritha West, Research Fellow at #Defra, will give an overview of her CFP-funded PhD research which focuses on perspectives on the ecological and cultural restoration of elm in Britain. Register here: www.forestprotection.uk/events/ #ElmRestoration

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In our webinar on 15 Sep, Dr Alexandra Ash, Behavioural Ecologist at @forestresearchuk.bsky.social will give an overview of her CFP-funded PhD research into the drivers of bark-stripping behaviour in grey squirrels. Register here: www.forestprotection.uk/events/ #GreySquirrels #BarkStripping

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

@forestresearchuk.bsky.social, the Forestry Commission and Forestry England have worked with Confor and sponsors, Tilhill Forestry, to develop a new event series for the APF Show 2026, 24-26 September: 'Talking Forestry'. Find out more below 👇

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The conference, aimed specifically at practitioners and policymakers, will take place at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 11 and 12 November, bringing together over 200 delegates from across the forestry sector in Great Britain. #SciFor26 #TreeHealth #ForestScience

scifor26.co.uk

SciFor26: Science and Innovation in Forestry

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

@forestresearchuk.bsky.social has announced 'SciFor 26', a major conference focused on the evidence, findings and innovations resulting from its core research programme that has run from 2021 to this year. 🌳 Find out more and register: www.scifor26.co.uk 👈 #SciFor26 #TreeHealth #ForestScience

scifor26.co.uk

SciFor26: Science and Innovation in Forestry

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

If you are interested in hearing more about the work going on across the wider plant health community, AND would like to visit the UK's oldest botanic garden, then why not sign up to the FREE Plant Health Visit to Oxford Botanic Garden, hosted by the @rsb.org.uk in October? 🌸 More details below 👇

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

*Short rotation forestry is the process of cultivating fast-growing trees that are harvested at a young age specifically for biomass production. This sustainable practice can offer significant environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration. #ShortRotationForestry #FreeWebinar #TreeHealth

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

In this upcoming free webinar from @forestresearchuk.bsky.social and Scion Group NZ, you will hear about the latest research into short rotation forestry* and gain a better understanding of how the practice can support a low-emissions future 🌳 Register below 👇 #ShortRotationForestry

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Find out more about our Forest Protection module: www.forestprotection.uk/ens-4311-for... Find out more about the wider postgraduate Forestry programmes at Bangor University: www.bangor.ac.uk/study/postgr... *The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2026: tinyurl.com/7yf5fhfk

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The module covers topics such as: 🪲 key and emerging pests & pathogens 🌡️ tree health & climate change 🦌 mammal damage & conservation 🪵 & includes a trip to develop practical fieldwork skills and is available to study as part of the MSc Forestry, Environmental Forestry & Tropical Forestry degrees.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Did you know? 🤔 We work in partnership with @bangoruniversity.bsky.social, the No.1 UK university for Agriculture & Forestry*, to deliver a postgraduate module in Forest Protection 🤝🎓 Find out more: www.forestprotection.uk/ens-4311-for... #ForestProtection #TreeHealth #CareersInForestry

Collage of three outdoor conservation activities in a wooded hillside setting. Two images on the left show people in winter clothing cutting and clearing fallen trees and branches among dense undergrowth. The larger image on the right shows a group gathered on a gravel forestry track beside a wooden fence, surrounded by evergreen trees and overlooking a valley under a cloudy sky. The group appears to be taking part in an educational field trip.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

One intern will focus on analysing dendrochronology data and evaluating a range of tools to predict tree growth, with another analysing oak DNA to help understand how tree populations may respond to future climate change 🪵🧬 @rbgkew.bsky.social #KewGardens #Internships #STEM #Forestry #TreeHealth

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

⏰ STILL TIME TO APPLY! ⏰ We have extended the application deadline for our two internships with the 'Integrating genomics and dendrochronology to predict tree growth for resilient future forests' project until 26 Jul! Find out more: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships 👈 Apply: tinyurl.com/kew-intern 👈

Close-up view of a large Scots pine tree trunk lying on the ground, showing a freshly cut cross-section with visible growth rings. The bark around the edge is rough and reddish-brown, while the inner wood is smooth and light-coloured. In the background, leafless trees and a grassy area are visible under a clear sky.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

In late 2025, the team published a blog on their fieldwork to collect the pine cones needed for this vital genetic research! 🧬 Read more: www.forestprotection.uk/2025/12/16/s... 👈 Find out more about this project: www.forestprotection.uk/project/cfp2... 👈 #ScotsPine #TreeHealth #ForestResilience

Three people stood against a background of a tree, in a field with long grass. The person on the left is taking the selfie of the three people. They have a dark beard and moustache and is wearing a blue cap and a green zip up fleece. The person in the middle has long blonde hair and is wearing a light and dark blue flower patterned winter jacket. They are also wearing a grey and brown patterned scarf, and a navy hat and snood. The person on the right has dark brown hair tied back in a pony tail, and is wearing a multi-coloured patterned headband, and a navy puffer jacket. All three are smiling at the camera in a selfie pose.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

We are excited to share another update from our #Scotspine breeding team! Research Assistant and former intern Jessica, highlights the team's seed extraction and sowing work, as part of the preparation for reopening the Scots pine breeding programme! 🌱 Read more: tinyurl.com/CFP-Scots-Pine 👈

Close-up view of young Scots pine tree seedlings growing in black plastic nursery trays inside a greenhouse. Rows of small green seedlings emerge from dark soil-filled cells, with additional trays and vegetation visible in the softly blurred background. The image is taken at tray level, emphasising the orderly grid pattern and early stages of plant growth.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Still unsure whether to apply? Why not check out our latest blog- former intern Jessica explains how she is applying the analytical skills and knowledge she gained during her CFP internship in her new role as Tree Breeding Research Assistant! Read more: www.forestprotection.uk/2026/07/17/s... 👈

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

📢 LAST CHANCE TO APPLY 📢 The application deadlines for our next cohort of #internships are rapidly approaching! ⏰ Deadline for our @forestresearchuk.bsky.social internships = 19 Jul ‼️ Deadline for our @rbgkew.bsky.social internships = 22 Jul ‼️ Find out more: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships 👈

A group of people wearing disposable lab coats stand together in a laboratory, listening to an instructor who is speaking and gesturing toward equipment. The room contains sinks, bottles, tools, and scientific apparatus on the central workbench. A large world map and various notices are displayed on the wall behind them, and boxed lab supplies are stacked on shelves to the right.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

📢 Have you heard about all of the fantastic #treehealth and #forestprotection internships we have on offer for 2026/27? 🤔 See our posts below for all of the internships avialable this year! 👇 bsky.app/profile/fore... @forestresearchuk.bsky.social

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

These three #internships will run from Oct 26 - Mar 27 and applications close on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 23:59 - don’t miss out!⏰ Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships Find out about the other internships we have on offer with @forestresearchuk.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/fore...

Composite image showing internship and educational activities in research settings. In the top-left panel, several people stand around a workstation in a collections room, examining specimens and materials displayed on a table surrounded by storage cabinets and scientific illustrations. In the large right-hand panel, a group wearing disposable laboratory gowns listens to a presentation in a laboratory with benches, sinks, bottles, paper towels, and scientific equipment visible in the foreground. In the bottom-left panel, a group tour takes place in an exhibition space, with participants gathered around a speaker in front of display cases. The collage highlights hands-on learning experiences in collections, laboratory, and public engagement environments.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

🪵 #Internship 6: 'Integrating genomics and dendrochronology to predict tree growth for resilient future forests' - analysing oak DNA to help understand how tree populations may respond to future climate change Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships

Close-up of a laboratory worker wearing a white lab coat and blue nitrile gloves using a pipette to transfer liquid into a small tube. A rack of sample tubes sits on a wooden workbench in the background, with laboratory equipment visible nearby.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

🪵 #Internship 5: 'Integrating genomics and dendrochronology to predict tree growth for resilient future forests' - analysing dendrochronology data and evaluating a range of tools to predict tree growth Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Led by @rbgkew.bsky.social these three opportunities include:👇 🦠 #Internship 4: 'Predicting pest and disease risks to non-native trees' - testing and improving a prediction model for identifying pest & pathogen risks to non-native UK tree species Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/CFPInternships

Young sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) tree seedling emerging from dark brown soil, with a thin stem and several bright green leaves unfolding. The close-up image focuses on new growth against a blurred soil background, highlighting early plant development.

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Centre for Forest Protection @forest-protection.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

📢 MORE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 📢 We are delighted to announce our final three exciting new @forest-protection.bsky.social internships for 2026/27! 🌳 Find out more and apply: www.forestprotection.uk/cfp-internsh... #TreeHealth #ForestProtection #Internship #STEM #STEMInternship #ForestScience

Composite image showing groups of people during group activities and visits. Left: three people standing outdoors beside a green vehicle, wearing outdoor coats and trousers on a gravel surface. Top right: a larger group standing outside a building with brick walls and colourful artwork, arranged on steps and pavement after rainfall. Bottom right: a group seated around a wooden table indoors, with papers and menus on the table and rows of plants and shelves visible behind them.

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