New Ips typographus Beetle Warning: What You Need to Know
Attention woodland managers, landowners, and the forestry industry!
The Forestry Commission has announced new findings of the Ips typographus beetle, also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, in the South East of England.
This serious pest, first identified in the UK in 2018, primarily targets stressed or dying spruce trees but can also attack healthy ones under the right conditions, posing a significant threat to our forestry and timber industries.
Recent Developments Extensive surveillance has uncovered further outbreaks in the Demarcated Area of Kent and West Sussex. Notably, for the first time, the beetle has been found on Sitka spruce trees.
These instances involved cut and fallen Sitka spruces near infested Norway spruces in West Sussex.
Fortunately, there's no evidence of the beetle spreading within the UK, with recent outbreaks likely due to natural dispersal from mainland Europe.
Expert Insights Professor Nicola Spence, Defra Chief Plant Health Officer, emphasized the need for vigilance:
“With new findings reported, all landowners and managers should remain alert, especially as temperatures rise.
It's crucial to check the health of spruce trees and adhere to restrictions on the movement of spruce material in the Demarcated Area.”
Dr. Anna Brown, Forestry Commission Director of Forest Services, assured swift action:
“We are taking rapid eradication measures and conducting wider surveillance to manage the outbreak effectively.”
Action Steps for Landowners
Be Vigilant: Regularly inspect your spruce trees for signs of the Ips typographus beetle.
Report Sightings: Use the TreeAlert form to report any sightings of this beetle across Great Britain.
Proactive Removal: Consider removing spruce trees from the South East and replanting with non-susceptible species.
Understand Restrictions: Note the ongoing restrictions for moving spruce material and the methods of forest operations in the Demarcated Area.
Explore Funding Options: If your land is within the Proactive Spruce Removal area, you may be eligible for funding. Additionally, those served with a Statutory Plant Health Notice due to an outbreak may qualify for grants to support felling and restocking activities through the Tree Health Pilot.
Stay Informed This recent announcement follows measures introduced on 5 June to protect against Ips typographus, including extending the Demarcated Area.
Within this area, the felling and movement of all spruce material is prohibited unless authorised by the Forestry Commission. For full guidance on these requirements, click here.
At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we urge all our followers to stay informed and proactive in combating this pest.
Together, we can help protect our precious woodlands.
#TreeCare #IpsTypographus #ForestryCommission #SpruceTrees #TreeHealth #BeechwoodUpdates
