Launched in 2021 and running until 2024, Defra’s Tree Health Pilot scheme has been updated to offer support to farmers and land managers dealing with tree pest and disease issues. In the first year of the pilot scheme, there were more than 80 expressions of interest, which has allowed Defra and the Forestry Commission to improve the offering to simplify the payments process, introduce higher payment rates, implement new advice packages, and improve guidance.
The pilot scheme currently offers support for five trees species infected by one of the following pests or diseases:
- Larch with Phytophthora ramorum
- Spruce growing in the high-risk eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)
- Sweet chestnut with Phytophthora ramorum or sweet chestnut blight
- Oak with oak processionary moth (OPM) in the established area
- Ash with ash dieback
Sir William Worsley MICFor, Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:
“From lone trees to entire woodlands, a thriving treescape is not only fundamental to our health and wellbeing, but crucial for combatting climate change, improving biodiversity and growing local economies.
These improvements will ensure greater participation in the scheme, better knowledge of the issues around tree health, and swifter action to tackle pests and diseases – all helping to protect our trees now and for future generations.”
Ahead of the roll-out of a future nationwide Tree Health Scheme, the pilot is currently available in London, the South East, the North West and the West Midlands. New applicants for 2023 are invited to submit an expression of interest form here.
View updated guidance
