Grant funds spruce woodland surveys to combat beetle threat
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Forty-one landowners in Great Britain surveyed 2,450 hectares of spruce woodland with help from the Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) grant, to address the risk posed by Ips typographus, the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle. The SSA grant, launched in October 2025, provides £2,000 to landowners so they can evaluate the condition of their spruce trees and plan preventative measures. This beetle presents a serious threat to spruce trees and the forestry industry if it becomes widespread.
The surveys help landowners understand the volume and health of their timber, reducing unexpected costs during future felling. Assessments also identify necessary improvements to woodland infrastructure, like roads, which will aid in managing the trees. Data collected through the SSA will support future tree health initiatives and build a stronger understanding of spruce woodland conditions across the country. Landowners completing the SSA may also qualify for increased funding through the Tree Health Pilot (THP) for felling trees.
The THP offers up to 80% funding for felling costs in designated areas, depending on whether a survey has been completed. Through the SSA, surveys have already identified approximately 26,000 tonnes of spruce that landowners intend to remove, with plans to remove 60% of this within a year.
