Landowners have surveyed more than 2,450 hectares of spruce woodland in the first year of the Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) grant scheme. The scheme, launched in October 2025, aims to help woodland owners address the threat posed by Ips typographus, also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle.
The SSA grant provides £2,000 to landowners to assess the extent and condition of their spruce trees and identify proactive management opportunities. This helps reduce the risk of infestation and protect woodland health.
In its first year, 41 agreements were approved, leading to the identification of high-risk spruce material in every agreement. The surveys collectively identified an estimated 26,000 tonnes of spruce that could be removed, with landowners planning to remove 60% of surveyed spruce within 12 months.
The SSA can also complement existing woodland management plans and helps landowners understand potential timber value and felling costs. Landowners who complete an SSA may also be eligible for enhanced funding rates for felling through the Tree Health Pilot (THP), depending on location. The SSA is currently open for applications, with a limited number of spaces available.