Blog - bark beetles

Bark beetles : the larger eight toothed bark beetle

Bark beetles : the larger eight toothed bark beetle

by Lewis, 25 June, 2019, 0 comments

The woodlands’ blog has reported on outbreaks of bark beetles in the States and Canada but as of 16th January this year, measures were put in place to protect the UK from the larger eight toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). This beetle has been a problem on continental Europe for many years; it has been estimated that Germany lost some 30 million cubic metres of timber (between 1945 and 1949) to bark beetles. Spruce is a commercially important species, with perhaps some 800,000 hectares in the UK. On the continent, the beetle has also been found living in pine, larch and douglas fir. The beetle was found in Kent last December. The special measures restrict the movement of spruce in a 50 km area around the outbreak. Details of this area can be found here. Read more...

Surviving drought.

Surviving drought.

by Chris, 28 November, 2018, 0 comments

Climate change means that we are likely to experience more extreme weather events from intense and prolonged rainfall to severe drought and heat. The plants and trees of woodlands may experience periods of flooding, during which their roots may be deprived of oxygen (as the soil is waterlogged) and consequently - die. Similarly trees and other plants may be subject to drought - resulting in the stunting of growth or even death. It had been thought that most trees had roots that penetrated deep into the soil (in search of water and minerals) but the aftermath of the Great Storm of 1987 revealed that this was not the case for many types of tree. The root systems of many trees are, in fact, relatively shallow - the root plate may only reach down some five to six feet. Read more...

Monterey Pine - Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine – Pinus radiata

by Chris, 19 April, 2012, 12 comments

Monterey Pine or Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata) is found naturally in the coastal area around Monterey in California. There, it is under threat from Pine Pitch Canker (a fungal disease), which makes them liable to attack by bark beetles. Monterey pine is to be found growing in milder parts of the UK (where it grows faster than in its native habitat), and in coastal areas as it is resistant to salt spray. The pine is extensively and intensively used in forestry, especially in countries like New Zealand (like the Kaingaroa Forest on the North Island). The monterey pine can be used for erosion control on steep slopes - as it has a widespread and fast growing root system The growth form of the tree is conic at first, but as the tree ages it becomes dome shaped with heavily, twisted branches. Read more...

« Previous Page

Wild Flower Guide

Badger

Read our guide to wild flowers of woodland and hedgerow

Topics

Tags