Heather Beetle decimating our glorious moorlands is not a new issue for many land managers. However, The Heather Trust members have noted an increase in heather beetle outbreaks in recent years, resulting in severe damage to vegetation over thousands of acres.
The stricken heather potentially adds to the fuel load for wildfires, reduces nectar for bees to feed on and destroys valuable habitat.
The footage below was taken in October 2024 in the Peak District - evidence of the growing problem of infestation.
Similar images have been sent to us, taken just this week.
Perhaps due to climate change (particularly the lack of hard frost), rewetting of our uplands, disappearance of the beetle's natural predator (the parasitic wasp) or maybe a combination of all?
Research into heather beetle is sparse and there are still huge knowledge gaps. We need to be looking at new research and techniques to help reduce the severity of these infestations.
If you are interested in scoping further research, get in touch - we could make a difference...