Tree Health Pilot (THP)

Application Components: Expression of interest form, site assessment, full application form, supporting evidence (maps, quotes), SBI number

Application Platform: Forestry Commission application process via email submission and expression of interest forms

Assessment Criteria: Contribution to research and learning, effectiveness in managing pests and diseases, positive plant health outcomes

Decision Process: Initial contact within 2 to 6 weeks of application submission; additional eligibility assessment and site visit may be required

Decision Risks: Competitive scheme; eligibility subject to site assessment and Forestry Commission scoring

Doctoral Studentships: Not specified

Eligible Research Costs: Site surveys, biosecurity planning, tree health assessments

Eligible Training Costs: Biosecurity training, workshops, advisory support

Environmental & EDI Requirements: Focus on improving tree health, biodiversity, and resilience of woodlands and treescapes

Funding Structure: Covers costs for felling, treatment, infrastructure, restocking, maintenance (up to 3 years), facilitation, and biosecurity items; includes fixed £475 support package for SPHN holders

Future Funding (Subject to Stage Gate): Not specified

Governance Requirements: Must comply with Forestry Commission rules, statutory notices (SPHN), and environmental regulations

important notes: Funding available for both woodland and non-woodland trees; group applications required for certain tree diseases; statutory compliance required if pests/diseases are identified; activities must not begin before agreement is signed

In-Kind Support: Advisory support, workshops, and specialist guidance

Industry Leverage Expectation: Not specified

Ineligible Applicants: Not explicitly specified

Ineligible Costs: Cannot claim funding for work already started before agreement; cannot claim duplicate funding for the same activity

Initial Research Grant: Not specified

Intent to Apply Deadline: Not specified

International Participation: Not specified

Key Organisational Requirements: Must manage trees affected by specific pests or diseases (e.g. ash dieback, oak processionary moth, Phytophthora ramorum, spruce bark beetle); minimum grant value of £500

Match Funding Requirement: Not specified

Monitoring Requirements: Applicants must keep records, submit evidence (receipts, photos), and may undergo site inspections

Project Start Date: After signing grant agreement

Renewal Structure: Pilot extended until full national Tree Health scheme is launched

Training Grant: Included (biosecurity training webinars and support packages)