Spruce Bark Beetle Monitoring
The eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is a serious pest that can cause widespread damage and death to spruce trees. Outbreaks have become more common across Europe in recent years due to factors like climate change and storm damage. There is a risk that this destructive beetle could spread to the UK, so early monitoring is key to prevent impacts.
Our approach
Earth Trust has joined a nationwide monitoring project run by Forest Lab, in partnership with Forest Research and funded by Defra, to help track any spread of the spruce bark beetle. We have set up a pheromone trap in our Norway spruce stand at Paradise Wood to attract any beetles that might be present.
The traps allow detection at a very early stage so we can take swift action if needed. We check and report our findings regularly as part of a UK-wide early warning system.
“With all of the varied challenges facing forestry today we are excited to contribute to this landscape-wide concern. The Ips typographus monitoring will mean that we can respond quickly should we need to.”
Tim Read
The impact
By taking part in this project, we are contributing to crucial scientific research on the spread of tree pests. The data collected across many sites will help scientists better understand the biology of the spruce bark beetle and inform future policies. On a practical level, we will gain instant alerts if the beetle reaches our woodland so we can rapidly implement control measures. And we are playing a valuable role in safeguarding the nation’s spruce forests from damage.
