New grant helps woodland owners stay ahead of the eight

Ips typographus, commonly known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, poses a severe threat to Britain’s forestry sector and woodland ecosystems.

When established, as seen in continental Europe, it can spread rapidly through forests, creating infestations that can destroy entire stands of spruce trees. For Britain, the threat of Ips typographus risks nearly 60% of conifer woodlands, equating to £2.9 billion of social, economic and environmental value.

The beetle’s impact extends beyond individual trees to affect whole woodland ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, compromising carbon storage and eliminating valuable timber resources. This makes early detection and proactive management essential to prevent widespread ecological and economic damage across our landscape. Current evidence sh