New measures are being introduced today (16 January) to
protect the country against the tree pest known as the
larger eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus),
which was discovered in Kent
in December 2018.
Legislation is being laid in Parliament that will restrict
the movement of all susceptible material, including trees
and wood with bark, within 50km of the outbreak sites where
Ips typographus was found.
This legislation is a necessary precaution to prevent the
spread of the pest further afield and will remain in place
until further notice, but will be kept under review.
The exact boundaries of the restricted area and details of
the materials under restriction are available on
the Forestry Commission
website.
Industry are also urged to remain vigilant for signs of the
pest and to report any suspicions to the Forestry
Commission.
Nicola Spence, the UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said:
The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)
poses no threat to human health, but it can be a serious
pest to the spruce tree species and the forestry
industry.
That is why we are taking robust action through this new
legislation and its restriction of movement for spruce
trees in a 50km area around the outbreak.
I encourage anyone who suspects a sighting of the bark
beetle to report these to the Forestry Commission online
through Tree Alert.
Further detail on how to report suspected cases
is available here
