Rural Payments and Services

This is available for the clear felling of trees (greater than six metres in height) or woodland to waste (i.e. timber left on-site) where the removal of a tree crop meets the objectives of the Woodland Improvement Grant – Habitats and Species or Woodland Improvement Grant – Woods In and Around Towns options.

You must record the boundary of the area designated for tree removal on a map and give the management reasons for the operation in your application.

You must have an approved felling licence for this operation prior to starting work.

If felling conifers, you must ensure that stump protection procedures are followed.

You should ensure that the trees to be removed are cut as low as possible to the ground (below the bottom ring of branches) to ensure no regrowth. Once felled the trees must be left on site to decompose. The felled trees may also be chipped and the chippings left on site to decompose if identified as being appropriate and agreed by Forestry Commission Scotland.

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

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