Smaller than a fingernail but devastating in impact, the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) poses one of the greatest threats to the UK’s forests. Having already destroyed millions of spruce trees across Europe, the beetle first reached Britain not through imported timber, as authorities expected, but by being blown across the English Channel. 

Since then, UK scientists have mounted a defence using drones, sniffer dogs, and even nuclear waste models to track and eradicate outbreaks in at risk areas. 

Drones allow scientists to survey hundreds of hectares of forest, looking for signs of infestation from the sky. As the beetle takes hold, the upper canopy of the tree cannot be fed nutrients and water, and begins to die off.

While early eradication efforts have succeeded, climate change is increasing the threat, as stressed trees become easier targets. Forest Research and conservationists warn that vigilance is essential—not just to protect commercial spruce, but also to safeguard ancient woodlands and preserve Britain’s forests

For more information read the BBC article https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyr8yml9rro