People who bring timber to the Isle of Man - such as timber merchants and firewood suppliers - are being asked to ensure that imported firewood and other timber does not contravene legislation which is in place to safeguard Manx trees and forests. 

By Order, it is 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.

The Isle of Man is fortunate as its conifer plantations are free of certain insect pests, such as Bark Beetles, which have caused considerable damage in woodlands in the UK. 

Some damaging species tunnel into conifer trees and form galleries within the bark of living trees, after which their larvae feed and develop, ultimately killing the tree. 

In western Britain, the Spruce Bark Beetle is a well-established pest that was accidentally introduced from continental Europe.  This beetle can cause serious damage to Spruce, the Island's most important commercial tree species. 

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

Similarly, since 1982, the importation of elm logs with bark has been prohibited in order to restrict the spread of Dutch Elm Disease which has devastated the elm populations in many areas.  

Imported de-barked elm wood must be suitably disinfected and accompanied by a certificate.  Whilst Dutch Elm Disease is currently present on the Island, efforts to date have ensured that its effect on the Manx Elm population has been relatively small and these efforts include the control of imports.

Special arrangements exist for the import of live trees to supply nurseries and for Christmas trees.

Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK, said, "With an upsurge in people using solid fuel to heat their homes, the high demand for firewood has resulted in not only our Sawmill at St. Johns increasing its output, but also in more timber being imported to supply the local firewood market. 

"There is not a problem with this, but we must make sure it does not present a hazard to the health of our local trees and forests. 

"We hope people appreciate the health status of our trees and will be vigilant in helping to ensure that any timber they import complies with legal requirements.  The basic rule for conifer is to make sure that it is de-barked prior to import.  More stringent rules apply to the import of elm wood". 

Further details of the legislation in place, and advice, is available from the Forestry Division at St. Johns on (01624) 801263.

Fines of up to ?5,000 may be imposed on those found guilty of committing an offence and the imported timber may be destroyed at the owner’s expense.