Tree and forest pests and diseases: learning from the past to prepare for the future.

This chapter charts the progress of three important but biologically different epidemics - DED, Phytophthora ramorum blight and ash dieback - assessing their environmental and cultural impact and reflecting on comparisons that can be made and lessons that can be drawn. The chapter establishes that the extent to which Europe's forests, woodlands and treescapes can be protected from further damaging pest and disease outbreaks will depend both on the ability of plant health authorities to prevent new introductions and the effectiveness with which outbreaks can be managed to minimize their impacts where pests and diseases have become established. The lessons from history are not encouraging on either count.