Forestry Commission launches support package
The Forestry Commission has launched a support package which aims to slow the spread of pests and diseases in specific trees, and are inviting people and groups to take part in a pilot that runs from August 2021 to 2024.
The trees or woodlands managed by landowners, occupiers, tenants or landlords must represent one of the following:
- Ash with ash dieback
- Larch with Phytophthora ramorum
- Spruce growing in the high-risk spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) area
- Sweet chestnut with Phytophthora ramorum or sweet chestnut blight
Whilst participants are usually invited to take part in the scheme because they have been contacted by a Forestry Commission woodland officer, those who think they are eligible are encouraged to take part if they meet the requirements.
Defra have specifically requested Association members in the south-east of England speak to their Forestry Commission Woodland Officer regarding opportunities to restock woodlands at risk from the spruce bark beetle. Grants to pay back the costs of the following activities are available:
- felling, for trees where you cannot sell the timber or recover your costs from selling it
- infrastructure and access aids, to improve access to your trees, for example a temporary road surface so you can remove felled trees
- restocking and capital items, to replace the trees with different species which are more likely to withstand pests, diseases and climate change, and items to protect them, such as fencing or netting
- maintenance, if you’ve also applied for a restocking grant. This is money paid every year to help establish new trees, for example to pay towards weeding costs
- facilitation fees, for someone to manage the application for your group
See link below for more information about all schemes.