Tree Health Pilot

About this grant

Testing different ways of slowing the spread of pests and diseases affecting trees in England.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Trees/woodlands must have one or more of: larch with Phytophthora ramorum, spruce with SPHN for eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, sweet chestnut with Phytophthora ramorum or blight, oak with oak processionary moth, ash with ash dieback

What the funding covers

• Felling and treating diseased trees
• Infrastructure improvements
• Restocking with new trees and capital items
• Maintenance of newly planted trees
• Biosecurity items
• SPHN advice package: £475

How to apply

1. 1To apply for the Tree Health Pilot (THP) 2024 grants, follow the official guidance process.
2. 2For the tree health advice package, read the guidance and complete and submit the application form.
3. 3Submit an expression of interest form to apply as an individual or group.
4. 4Expression of interest applies to larch, spruce and sweet chestnut grants.
5. 5Expression of interest applies to oak grants affected by oak processionary moth (OPM).
6. 6Expression of interest applies to ash grants affected by ash dieback.
7. 7Expression of interest applies to grants for restocking trees.
8. 8A Forestry Commission representative will contact you within 3 weeks of submission.
9. 9Eligibility will be assessed and a pre-assessment site visit may be arranged.
10. 10If a notifiable pest or disease is found, a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) may be issued.
11. 11You must comply with an SPHN even if you do not receive funding.
12. 12The Forestry Commission will confirm if you should submit a full application.
13. 13Applications are scored based on contribution to research and plant health outcomes.
14. 14If not eligible for THP, you may apply for Woodland Tree Health grants.
15. 15If invited, complete the full THP application with detailed information and evidence.
16. 16Provide supporting documents such as maps and quotations.
17. 17Submit the completed application via email to thpilotenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
18. 18Include a Single Business Identifier (SBI) in your application.
19. 19Register on the Rural Payments service if you do not have an SBI.
20. 20You can register as an individual and do not need to register land on the Rural Land Register.
21. 21The Forestry Commission will respond within 2 to 6 weeks after submission.
22. 22They will inform you if your application is successful and the grant amount.
23. 23If successful, sign and return the agreement and terms by the given deadline.
24. 24You can appeal or complain against decisions if needed.
25. 25After approval, complete 'Threats to your woodlands' training webinars.
26. 26Each webinar is about 30 minutes and requires at least an 80% pass mark.
27. 27Submit a biosecurity management plan for your land.
28. 28Complete the funded work such as purchasing goods or hiring contractors.
29. 29Maintain records and evidence like receipts and photos.
30. 30A woodland officer may visit to verify the work.
31. 31Submit the claim form provided by the Forestry Commission via email.

Application tips