The Forestry Commission are working on the eradication response to the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, which is an invasive and regulated pest in England.

Ips typographus targets weakened or damaged spruce trees, and storm events like we’re experiencing this winter can create ideal habitat. It is being blown over from outbreaks in Europe and, if left unchecked, it could potentially build in numbers and would be devastating to the country’s timber industry. We therefore advise proactive management of spruce to remove potential habitat and risk of infestation.

Everyone in the Proactive Spruce Removal Area is encouraged to be vigilant for windblown, snapped, damaged and stressed spruce trees, and to submit a TreeAlert report for anything of concern or email ips.t@forestrycommission.gov.uk. This could be landowners, those directly involved with managing spruce (e.g. foresters, tree surgeons, Christmas tree growers), or members of the public who use spruce woodlands recreationally (e.g. dog walkers, ramblers).

Additional info can be found via the GOV.uk Ips typographus page.

Invasive Spruce Bark Beetle: Proactive Spruce Removal Area

As a key part of our maintenance and improvement of Sandgate Park and Freemantle Park and the areas under our control, we commission an annual tree report on all trees in that land to make sure they are healthy, safe, and need any works.

The tree reports are both an important of making sure we are looking after the area well. It is also an insurance requirement, to ensure we have done our best to protect park users.

The most recent tree reports were undertaken in September 2024:

As you’ll see, both reports identified a number of works, from pollarding (cutting trees back) to remedial works to, in a few cases, removing / felling dead trees entirely.

We have commissioned a local company – Spearpoint Tree Services – to do the works (after an open tendering process) and they will be undertaken in February and March as below. Please be reassured that we have taken the best possible advice on the works needed, and works are being undertaken now to reduce the chances of disturbing nesting birds etc, but all trees will be checked for signs of nests etc prior to works on any tree.

Works will be completed between 9am-5pm, and we apologise for any noise caused, but ask people stay back a safe distance.

Fremantle Park

21^st February 

Spearpoint Tree Service will  be undertaking works at Fremantle Park to safely remove any dead trees. Additionally, they will address the surrounding weed growth around the Lombardy Poplar and continue to provide support by securing the tree with supporting stakes. These measures are aimed at enhancing the overall health and appearance of the park.

Sandgate Park

6^th & 7^th March

The tree work for the removal and re-pollarding of crack willow/common alder, as well as the reduction of Monterey Cypress, has been scheduled for Thursday, 6th and Friday, 7th March. The work will involve reducing the height of the Monterey Cypress by a maximum of four metres, and the east-facing lateral branch will be reduced by a maximum of three metres.

Additionally, six crack willow/common alder trees showing extensive decay will be felled to ground level. All remaining trees within the group will be re-pollarded.

17^th March – 21^st March

The remaining tree works  tree work has been scheduled to take place during the week commencing 17th March 2025, with an anticipated completion by Friday, 21st March 2025.