The historic Whiligh Estate in East Sussex has implemented a Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) to mitigate the risk of Ips typographus (eight-toothed spruce bark beetle) infestation and foster a more resilient and productive woodland. The estate, with a history spanning over 600 years, has a long tradition of supplying timber for significant national projects, including the hammerbeam roof for Westminster Hall in 1393 and subsequent repairs after World War II. Most recently, in December 2024, the estate provided timber for the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company project.
The SSA, part of a government grant scheme, focused on a 76-hectare site with a specific priority spruce removal area. The assessment identified approximately 688 tonnes of spruce suitable for felling, employing a combination of felling methods. This process involved detailed mapping and planning, supported by the grant, which also covered the costs of accurate management and felling proposals. The estate is now restocking with 9,100 trees, including native species like wild cherry, wild service tree, and various oaks, alongside Douglas fir and black walnut.
The assessment identified specific challenges within the woodlands, such as an active badger sett, watercourses, and steep slopes, which were incorporated into the management and felling plans. This detailed data allowed for confident decision-making regarding spruce removal, ensuring that necessary permissions and mitigation measures were in place before operations began. The project also led to plans for permanent infrastructure improvements, including a new loading bay, to support long-term woodland management and timber production.
The initiative aims to transform woodlands historically dominated by spruce into a more resilient and productive system managed through continuous cover forestry. The successful application of the SSA and subsequent Tree Health Pilot (THP) scheme has significantly reduced the risk of Ips typographus infestation, replacing poor-quality spruce with a diverse range of trees designed for the future.
