Tree Health Grants: Financial Support for Managing Diseased and Damaged Trees

Tree health is a key aspect for maintaining resilient woodlands and landscapes in England. However, many trees are increasingly at risk due to the spread of pests and diseases, such as ash dieback and oak processionary moth (OPM). To support landowners in managing these challenges, several Tree Health Grants are available, offering financial assistance for felling infected trees, restocking with disease-resistant species, and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.

This article provides a detailed overview of the grants available under the Tree Health Pilot Scheme, along with other relevant funding options, explaining how to access financial support and maximise your efforts in managing tree health effectively.

Overview of the Tree Health Pilot Scheme

The Tree Health Pilot Scheme is an initiative by the Forestry Commission designed to support landowners and managers in dealing with tree health issues caused by specific pests and diseases. The scheme is currently being trialled in selected regions and focuses on providing comprehensive support for felling and restocking affected trees, as well as implementing biosecurity measures to control and prevent the spread of infections.

The pilot scheme is targeted at high-priority pests and diseases that pose significant threats to England’s woodlands and landscapes, such as ash dieback, oak processionary moth, and Phytophthora species. The grants provided can help landowners manage existing tree health issues and safeguard their woodlands for the future.

What the Tree Health Pilot Scheme Covers

The Tree Health Pilot Scheme offers grants for a variety of tree health management activities, including:

1. Felling Diseased and Infested Trees
   Financial support for safely removing trees affected by serious pests and diseases, reducing the risk of spreading infections to nearby healthy trees.
   • What it covers:
     • Felling and removal of diseased or infested trees.
     • Safe disposal of infected plant material to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
     • Costs of labour, machinery, and specialised techniques for handling diseased trees.
2. Restocking with Disease-Resistant Species
   Grants for replanting felled areas with tree species that are less susceptible to the diseases that affected the original trees. This helps restore woodland structure and promotes long-term resilience.
   • What it covers:
     • Purchase and planting of disease-resistant or resilient tree species.
     • Ground preparation, site maintenance, and tree protection measures.
3. Implementing Biosecurity Measures
   Funding for biosecurity capital items and practices to prevent the spread of diseases and pests, supporting the long-term health of woodland areas.
   • What it covers:
     • Installing cleaning stations for tools, machinery, and vehicles.
     • Setting up access control and signage to restrict entry to infected areas.
     • Providing protective clothing and equipment for workers handling infected material.

Eligible Pests and Diseases Covered by the Scheme

The Tree Health Pilot Scheme focuses on managing several high-priority pests and diseases, including:

• Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus): Affects ash trees, causing leaf loss, branch dieback, and eventual death.
• Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea): Affects oak trees, causing defoliation and posing health risks to humans due to the toxic hairs of the caterpillars.
• Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae: Affect a variety of tree species, including larch and sweet chestnut, causing extensive dieback and mortality.
• Ips typographus (Eight-Toothed Spruce Bark Beetle): Attacks spruce trees, making them more vulnerable to other diseases.

How to Apply for Tree Health Grants

To access funding through the Tree Health Pilot Scheme, landowners need to follow a structured application process, demonstrating that their trees are affected by a high-priority pest or disease and that the proposed management activities will contribute to tree health and biosecurity.

Eligibility Criteria

• The land must be located in one of the pilot regions or areas identified as high-risk for specific pests and diseases.
• The trees must be under a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) or located in areas where proactive disease management is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate a need for funding to address specific tree health issues and provide a management plan for the affected area.

Application Process

1. Initial Consultation
   Begin by contacting your local Forestry Commission representative or Woodland Creation Officer to discuss your eligibility and management options.
2. Submit a Tree Health Management Plan
   Develop and submit a management plan that details the tree health issues, proposed felling and restocking activities, and biosecurity measures.
3. Field Assessment and Review
   A Forestry Commission officer will conduct a site visit to assess the severity of the issue and the proposed management activities. They may suggest additional measures or modifications to ensure the effectiveness of the management plan.
4. Grant Agreement and Implementation
   Once the application is approved, you will receive a grant agreement specifying the funding provided, the management actions to be carried out, and any monitoring requirements. Implement the plan according to the agreement and maintain records of all activities.
5. Claiming Payments
   Submit claims as specified in your grant agreement, including invoices, receipts, and photographic evidence. Annual reports may also be required to demonstrate compliance and success of restocking efforts.

Additional Tree Health Grants and Funding Options

In addition to the Tree Health Pilot Scheme, other grant options are available to support tree health management. These include grants under Countryside Stewardship and local authority funding opportunities.

Countryside Stewardship Woodland Tree Health Grants

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme offers dedicated funding for managing tree health in woodlands. This support can be used to address specific tree diseases, implement traditional management practices, and restore woodland areas affected by pests or diseases.

• What it covers:
  • Felling and removal of infected trees.
  • Restocking with resilient species to rebuild woodland structure.
  • Managing pests like deer and grey squirrels to reduce damage to young trees.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to landowners with woodlands affected by pests or diseases.
  • Requires a comprehensive Woodland Management Plan outlining the specific tree health issues and proposed management actions.

Local Authority and Community Grants

Some local authorities and community organisations offer small-scale grants for tree health management, particularly in urban areas or community woodlands. These grants can support activities such as felling infected trees, planting disease-resistant species, and implementing biosecurity measures.

Capital Items and Biosecurity Measures Eligible for Funding

Implementing strong biosecurity measures is essential for managing tree pests and diseases. Grants are available for a range of capital items, such as:

• Cleaning Stations: Facilities for cleaning tools, machinery, and footwear to reduce the risk of spreading pests and diseases between sites.
• Tree Felling and Disposal Costs: Support for safely felling infected trees and disposing of plant material to prevent further spread.
• Access Control and Signage: Funding for installing gates, fencing, and signage to restrict access to infected areas and inform visitors about biosecurity protocols.
• Protective Clothing and Equipment: Grants can cover the cost of protective clothing and equipment necessary for safely handling and removing infected plant material, particularly for pests like OPM.

Tree health grants are a vital resource for landowners facing the challenges of managing diseased or damaged trees. By leveraging available grants under the Tree Health Pilot Scheme and other funding options, you can effectively manage pests and diseases, restore tree cover, and implement measures to protect your woodlands in the long term. Understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and funding opportunities will help you take full advantage of the support available and ensure the health and resilience of your trees and woodlands.

If you’re considering applying for tree health grants, start by developing a detailed management plan and consulting with local Forestry Commission representatives to determine the best approach for your land and specific tree health issues.

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