Spruce Bark Beetle in South East England – advisory felling of Spruce trees and how to act

The European Spruce Bark beetle (Ips typographus) is a serious pest to spruce trees which, if left uncontrolled, could cause significant damage to Britain’s forestry industry.  Outbreaks were found in woodland in Kent and East Sussex in the summer of 2021 and the Forestry Commission are now issuing statutory tree felling notices across the South East of England to help control the pest.   Anyone with spruce trees on their land should be aware and vigilant.  See the GOV.UK page for more info about the beetle, its effect and the action being taken:   

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eight-toothed-european-spruce-bark-beetle-ips-typographus#symptoms

English Woodlands Forestry and our partners Powell Forestry have developed a unique position in dealing with spruce during this outbreak. We have worked closely with the Tree Health and Area Teams at the Forestry Commission and have long-established relationships with sawmills approved to take infected material. This means we have an unrivalled chain of custody and ability to fell, process and market spruce to the strict protocols required whilst maximising any timber value possible. Powell Forestry have already undertaken sensitive spruce felling and processing for Forestry England and other large land owners.

We take our responsibilities to maintain tree health very seriously and always uphold best practice biosecurity measures.  

If you have any spruce on your property we strongly recommend that you check it for symptoms of the bark beetle and notify the Forestry Commission if you see anything suspicious. We also recommend you consider the ongoing management of trees and woodland – to minimise the potential loss of timber value or woodland health.  

If you would like us to provide further advice or think we can help please get in touch