Rural Payments and Services

This is available for the clearance of Phytophthora ramorum infected larch crops of less than 26 years of age where such action can be undertaken safely by clearing saw.

The clearance rates for immature larch crops (i.e. less than 26 years of age) are available on the basis that any timber products subsequently recovered from the sites are dealt with in accordance with road haulage / timber processing licence requirements.

Grant is not available for other tree or shrub species unless felling of such material is absolutely necessary on sites to allow for the safe clearance of the larch within the Statutory Plant Health Notice area. Additional trees and shrubs removed for operational or economic reasons will not be eligible for support.

Heterobasidium annosum (formerly Fomes annosus) is a serious and persistent threat to British woodlands, particularly to coniferous stands. Larch stumps pose one of the highest risks of infection. Therefore we strongly recommend that stump treatment is undertaken on all larch felling sites. This is particularly important if it is intended to replant with other conifers. Current Forest Research guidance is available for risk-based stump treatment.

We will only approve your application if you agree to replant any area of woodland you clear.

Please ensure you abide by conditions set out in the Forestry Grant Scheme claim form and guidance.

Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland

Click 'Download this page' to create a printer-friendly version of this guidance that you can save or print out.