How to apply for the tree health pilot scheme 2023
Updated 16 February 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-health-pilot-scheme-2023/how-to-apply-for-the-tree-health-pilot-scheme-2023
If you want to apply for the Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) advice package, you’ll need to:
- read the SPHN advice package guidance
- fill in the SPHN advice package application form
For all other tree health pilot (THP) 2023 grants, follow the process in this guidance.
Expression of interest form
If you want to apply to the tree health pilot (THP) scheme as an individual or group, you’ll need fill in the expression of interest form. This is for applications for:
- larch, spruce and sweet chestnut grants
- ash with ash dieback grants
- oak with oak processionary moth (OPM) grants
- grants for restocking trees
Initial assessment and site visit
A Forestry Commission representative will contact you within 3 weeks of receiving your expression of interest form by email.
They’ll consider whether you’re eligible for the pilot scheme.
If you’re likely to qualify for a grant, they’ll arrange a pre-assessment site visit.
If you get an SPHN
During your initial assessment, a woodland officer may find a notifiable pest or disease in your trees. The woodland officer might issue an SPHN, if you do not already have one.
If you receive an SPHN, you’re legally required to deal with the pest or disease problem you have.
This applies even if you do not receive funding as part of the THP.
Get eligibility confirmation
Based on an initial assessment and site visit, the Forestry Commission will advise you if you should submit a full application.
The THP scheme is competitive. The Forestry Commission score applications based on:
- how they’ll contribute to research and learning
- how they’re achieving positive plant health outcomes
Some non-competitive agreements will be available for sites under SPHN with eight-toothed spruce bark beetle. There are a limited number of these. When they run out, the Forestry Commission will score applications.
If you’re not eligible to take part in the THP scheme, you may be able to apply for the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Tree Health grant instead.
Make a full application
After your initial assessment and site visit, the Forestry Commission will send you the THP 2023 application pack.
On the form, you’ll need to give detailed information about the trees and grants you want to apply for.
Gather evidence to complete the application, for example, detailed maps and quotations.
If you make a mistake on your application form, the Forestry Commission will ask you to make corrections and resubmit it.
Email your completed application form and supporting documents to: thpilotenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk
Get a Single Business Identifier (SBI)
You’ll need to include a Single Business Identifier (SBI) number on your application form.
If you do not have an SBI, you’ll need to register on the Rural Payments service.
You do not need to be applying as a business to get an SBI - you can register as an individual.
You do not need to register land you include in the THP on the Rural Land Register.
After you’ve submitted an application
Within 2 to 6 weeks of receiving your application, the Forestry Commission will tell you:
- if you were successful
- the amount of grant funding you’re able to claim
If your application is successful, the Forestry Commission will send you an offer letter and a copy of the terms and conditions to sign.
You must sign and return the agreement offer and terms and conditions by email or post by the date requested, to accept the grant offer.
You can make a complaint or appeal against a Forestry Commission decision.
After you’ve signed your agreement
After signing your agreement, you’ll need to:
-
Complete ‘Threats to your woodlands’ training, 3 short online webinars about biosecurity, tree health and mammal damages to trees and woodlands.
-
Fill in a biosecurity management plan, which explains what you’ll need to do to reduce the risk of spreading pests and diseases on the land you’re applying for.
-
Complete the works you’ve got the funding for, for example, to buy the goods, hire a contractor or do the work yourself.
-
Keep detailed records and submit evidence that you’ve completed the work, for example receipts and photos. A woodland officer may also gather evidence during a visit.
-
Complete the provided THP claim form by emailing it to thpilotenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk
When you submit a claim: felling, chemical treatment and infrastructure
For felling, chemical treatment and infrastructure grants you’ll need to submit a claim. Provide the Forestry Commission with:
- evidence of incurred expenditure to match your claim value
- details of income generated from the sale of your timber including evidence of sale or justification for why your timber was not sold
The Forestry Commission will assess this evidence to work out how much you’ll be paid for your claim, up to the value in your agreement.
If your income exceeds your expenditure (no financial loss is incurred) you’ll be:
- advised your sites are ineligible
- unable to claim any grant funding toward felling, chemical treatment and infrastructure costs
You can read more information at Annex 2B in the Tree health pilot scheme: grant funding agreement terms and conditions.
For all other grants, you only need to submit evidence of any purchased items with your claim form.
Submit an expression of interest form or return to the THP scheme 2023 guidance.