Right I've been back and collected the cut specimen.
I can't see any spruce in the locality. There are Birch and pine. The soil is acid clay. According to a history of the area it may have been woodland previously but has been replanted as part of the forestation of the area. I would imagine that the odd birch trees nearby have self seeded. Until recently the ground was covered by dense rhododendron which was removed in the latter part of last year.
Photos
Colouration after around 18 hours
Colouration of a fresh cut across the stem after 2 hours.
Comparison of fresh cut and 2 hour cut.
Is the half specimen that I've got okay to dry or do I need to go back and get another? I'm off this week so I can nip back over to check progress.
I assume if it does turn out to be a red data species we need to inform someone. I'll also need to contact the woodland trust as it may affect their management plan for the area.
Mike