Prince of Wales: 'We simply have to be more cautious with plant health and biosecurity'

The Prince of Wales has broadcast a special message about the International Year of Plant Health to the public as part of Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

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His Royal Highness said that as we were beginning to realise the critical role that plants have on our health and wellbeing, there is a growing plant health crisis.

He said: "In recent weeks the Coronavirus lockdown has highlighted the critical role that plants have on our own health and wellbeing."

"I am not alone in feeling that plants and trees play an invaluable and indispensable role in our lives and in the midst of this tragic human health crisis it is easy to forget the worsening climate crisis, the catastrophic effects of which have been dramatically felt in recent months with floods, fires wreaking havoc on communities around the world."

The Prince of Wales highlighted the estimated loss of 25 million elms, the signs of ash dieback and threats to oak trees. He called plant health and bio-security a mainstream issue and called on people to be more cautious.

"At a time when we are relying on huge tree planting schemes in mitigating climate change... we simply have to be more cautious."

Watch the full message below.

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