Keep our trees and plantations safe.
That's the plea as wood merchants and those who may import timber into the Island are being asked to check they're not breaking the law.

It's an offence to import conifer firewood or timber which has not had its bark removed - or to import elm firewood or timber which has not had its bark removed, been disinfected and certificated.

In Britain, the Spruce Bark Beetle is well established in the west after being accidentally introduced from Europe.

The beetle can cause serious damage to the spruce, one of the Island's most important commercial tree species, and its control is therefore a priority.

Because the beetles breed beneath conifer bark, legislation was introduced in 1987 banning the importation of its bark and conifer logs with bark attached.

Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK, says the upsurge in people using solid fuel to heat their homes means more timber is being imported to supply the local firewood market and it's important to ensure this isn't allowed to become a threat to our local trees and forests.