A new app has been launched that will map the location of plastic tree guards in a nationwide first.

The free app, Plot that Plastic, is a citizen science project aimed at building a UK-wide map of where old and new plastic tree shelters are located in the environment. This data can then be shared and used to help facilitate their future removal and locations of recycling hubs across the country.

The app was developed by Forestry Commission Woodland Officer Katie Goldsbrough, on behalf of the Forest Plastics Working Group, a conglomerate of organisations working in the forestry sector, in response to growing concerns over woodland plastic pollution.

Members include the Forestry Commission, Essex Forestry Initiative, Essex Wildlife Trust, and Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

People can download the Survey 123 app to their phone or access it via their desktop, where they will be able to easily record the location of the tree shelters, their condition and other indicators that will help with the mapping process.

People can find out more by visiting the Forest Plastics Working Group website https://bit.ly/plotplastic and get plotting that plastic!

This app has been years in the making according to Katie Goldsbrough: “I am very excited for this project to finally launch,” she said.

“As a citizen science project, everyone and anyone can get involved. This will hopefully allow the project to get a wide-ranging data set of where plastic tree guards and shelters are in the environment.

“I hope that it can make a difference to the forestry sector and that we can eventually stop plastic tree guards and shelters from adding to the wider environmental issue of plastic pollution entirely.”

Mike Appleton, Woodland Officer at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, added: “The Plot that Plastic app is an exciting new phase in our mission to remove and recycle woodland plastic. Alongside Tubex we have already established recycling hubs across the country and last year successfully removed 350,000 tree shelters to be recycled.

“The app will enable us to expand the operation by establishing new recycling hubs and supporting landowners and woodland managers in removing unwanted plastic. We encourage everyone who spends time in the countryside to download the app and help us plot that plastic!”

People can find out more here: www.forestplasticsworkinggroup.co.uk