With a quarter of Britain's forests consisting of Sitka Spruce the latest article in the Guardian this week raises concerns that the IPS Typographus or eight-toothed spruce bark beetle will soon be found in Sitka Spruce as well as Norway Spruce: Tree-killing beetle found to be attracted to Britain’s most common spruce | Trees and forests | The Guardian
Whilst this concern was raised a few months ago by Forestry England, Ips typographus found on UK Sitka spruce trees - The Institute of Chartered Foresters, there has yet to be any examples of wider infestations in a Sitka Spruce plantation in Britain unlike the number of sites in the demarcated zone where IPS has been found in Norway Spruce. However, this does not mean that woodland owners shoud become complacent particuarly as the warmer weather signals the beginning of their flight period and an increased threat of more beetles flying over from Europe.
If you have either Sitka Spruce or Norway Spruce in your woodland it is worthwhile taking time to walk through your woodland keeping an eye out for any windblown, damaged or dead trees. These are the main food source of the beetle and are the most vulnerable. Any remaining bash or timber from previous harvesting operations or even dead hedges made from Spruce should be considered for removal or mulching to minimise food material on the woodland floor.
For woodland owners in the demarcated zone (please see the map: 20240603_Demarcated_Area_Colour_June.pdf) Forestry England are encouraging proactive felling of Norway Spruce and there are a number of grants via the Tree Health Pilot Scheme that can assist with these operations. If you would like further information or guidance on this situation please do get in contact.
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