Information from the Forestry Commission

Letter received from the Forestry Commission for your information and guidance:

I’m a Woodland Officer at the Forestry Commission working on the eradication response to the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, which is an invasive and regulated pest in England.

Ips typographus targets weakened or damaged spruce trees, and storm events like we’re experiencing this winter can create ideal habitat. It is being blown over from outbreaks in Europe and, if left unchecked, it could potentially build in numbers and would be devastating to the country’s timber industry. We therefore advise proactive management of spruce to remove potential habitat and risk of infestation.

We’re also encouraging everyone in the Proactive Spruce Removal Area to be vigilant for windblown, snapped, damaged and stressed spruce trees, and to submit a TreeAlert report for anything of concern or email ips.t@forestrycommission.gov.uk. This could be landowners, those directly involved with managing spruce (e.g. foresters, tree surgeons, Christmas tree growers), or members of the public who use spruce woodlands recreationally (e.g. dog walkers, ramblers).

I’m getting in touch with parish, town, and other community councils across the southeast, with the aim of increasing awareness of this issue at the local level. Attached is an information flyer that we’ve produced and it’d be great if this could be shared with members and residents in a newsletter or other email circular. I’d be very grateful if you could also notify me after it’s been shared for our records.

Additional info can be found via the GOV.uk Ips typographus page or do let me know if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Elliot Carpenter

Ips typographus Woodland Officer

Forestry Commission

Bucks Horn Oak

Farnham

Surrey

GU10 4LS

 

For all guidance on Ips typographus go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eight-toothed-european-spruce-bark-beetle-ips-typographus