Guidance

Tree health pilot scheme: what a group applicant must do

Updated 6 December 2024

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-health-pilot-scheme-rules-for-lead-facilitators-and-group-applicants/tree-health-pilot-scheme-what-a-group-applicant-must-do

You can apply as a group to the tree health pilot (THP) scheme to deal with a local tree health issue collectively. 

1. Who can be a group applicant  

You can apply as part of a group if you’re one of the following: 

  • a landowner 
  • an occupier 
  • a tenant 
  • a landlord 
  • a licensor

2. What you need to do as a group applicant 

To apply as a group, you and the other group applicants must meet the THP scheme eligibility criteria requirements. You will need to read and follow the:  

2.1 Nominate a lead facilitator 

You and the other group applicants must nominate a lead facilitator. The lead facilitator will act on behalf of the group for the duration of the THP grant agreement.

The lead facilitator can be: 

  • a nominated individual from the group  
  • a private agent 
  • an organisation, such as a local council, woodland initiative or wildlife trust  

Nominate your lead facilitator using the THP lead facilitator form. You can request the form by emailing thpilotenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Make sure you:  

  • fill in the relevant group applicant sections 
  • countersign the form  

The lead facilitator will then submit your lead facilitator form, along with your THP application form to the Forestry Commission. They will submit a lead facilitator form and THP application form for each group applicant.  

During the agreement, the lead facilitator will be responsible for: 

  • coordinating the group’s applications  
  • confirming group applicants have carried out the work they agreed to do  
  • submitting any evidence needed to the Forestry Commission 

Find out more about what a lead facilitator must do

2.2 Complete your funded activities 

You will have your own THP grant funding agreement. The agreement value for each funded activity will be based on the information on your application form. 

Make sure the funded activity, or activities, on your land are consistent with your grant agreement. Your lead facilitator is responsible for confirming this work has been carried out according to your grant agreement.  

The Forestry Commission may carry out site visits to make sure each group applicant is complying with the THP scheme terms and conditions.

2.3 Complete biosecurity training 

Everyone in your group must complete biosecurity training to help maintain good biosecurity standards.  

It will take approximately one and a half hours and consists of 3 environmental land management webinars, including: 

  • mammal threats to woodland and trees 
  • biosecurity 
  • threats to your woodlands-signs of stress and ill health in trees 

You must complete an assessment at the end of each webinar. The pass mark is 80% and you can repeat it if necessary.  

2.4 Participate in research 

You will be required to participate in activities led by Forest Research, the Forestry Commission and Defra. The activities will help to evaluate the THP scheme and will include: 

  • questionnaires 
  • keeping records of activities and experiences 

You may also be asked to participate in other learning, including: 

  • surveys 
  • workshops 
  • interviews

2.5 Source trees for restocking from a certified supplier 

When restocking as part of the THP scheme, your trees must be sourced from a supplier that meets the plant health management standard.  

Your lead facilitator must provide one of the following as evidence, to make a claim: 

  • the supplier’s certification number showing their current membership of the Plant Healthy Certification scheme 
  • an application number to show the supplier has applied to become certified  
  • a successful ready to plant (RtP) assessment reference number associated with the grant funding agreement number

2.6 Provide payment for contractors

Your lead facilitator must coordinate the up-front payment of any contractor required to carry out the group’s grant-funded activities.  

You must give the lead facilitator any payments required for work the contractor will carry out on the land you own or manage.  

3. Who submits your claims and evidence 

Your lead facilitator can only claim, on your behalf, for activities funded under the THP scheme. Claim values will be based on the information in your claim form. 

Your lead facilitator will submit any invoices and receipts as supporting evidence of costs incurred, when needed.  

After the lead facilitator has submitted the THP claim form and any supporting evidence, you will receive any funding due to you. 

If you restock trees using THP funding, you or the lead facilitator must submit annual maintenance claims to receive maintenance payments.

4. Contact the Forestry Commission 

Contact the THP team by email at:thpilotenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk

or by post: 

Forestry Commission England 
Tree Health Pilot Operational Delivery Team 
Bristol Hub 
620 Bristol Business Park 
Coldharbour Lane 
Bristol 
BS16 1EJ

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