Barkshield MRes Project
This MRes is part of a larger project funded by Velux Stiftung, “Optimising post-bark beetle disturbance management to promote forest biodiversity and recovery under climate change” (BARKSHIELD). By combining existing and new data, this project will help prepare for inevitable future outbreaks and improves strategies for post-bark beetle disturbance management.
What we are doing
The big aim is to fully investigate and understand the perspectives of stakeholders from the UK including managers, sector professionals and sawmillers related to the impact of the bark beetle (Ips typographus) on the UK forests and the plans that should be developed.
Why it matters
The European spruce bark beetle is spreading quickly and significantly impacting European forests, posing ecological and societal challenges. Stopping these infestations is incredibly difficult and the spread is now moving into previously unaffected areas, which have been weakened due to global climate change. Due to this, the focus has to be on post-infestation management to ensure we help mitigate the impacts to avoid mass local biodiversity and revenue loss.
Active
European Wide
Velux Stiftung
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF
University of the Highlands and Islands
November 2024
