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SB3

SB3: Tree removal

CS Higher Tier open_in_new View on RPA Website

£155.17

per tree · one-off

info Summary

This Higher Tier Capital Grant provides funding for tree removal to restore open habitats or prevent damage to environmental features. It requires agreement on a work specification with Natural England and adherence to guidelines, especially regarding historic features and felling licenses.

format_list_bulleted What to do

  • Agree a specification for the work with Natural England, including:
  • where and when trees are removed
  • how felled trees are removed from the site
  • where stacked wood is left

checklist How to do

description Evidence Required

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • photographs of the completed work
  • a copy of any advice from the Forestry Commission

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work
  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
  • photographs of the trees to be removed

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

View Official Guidelines

Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website

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info Additional Information

SB3: Tree removal

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025 guidance to understand the rules and how to apply.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

£155.17 per tree.

How this item benefits the environment

It helps to restore open habitats or prevent damage to environmental features.

Where you can use this item

You can only use this item if there’s a net cost for the removal of timber after you have accounted for any timber sales. You must agree this with Natural England first.

What you must do to use this item

You must agree a specification for the work with Natural England including:

  • where trees are removed from and at what time
  • how to remove felled trees from the site
  • where to leave stacked wood

You should make sure that no trees are uprooted (or roots removed after felling) on historic or archaeological features.

Before you apply, contact the Forestry Commission to see if you need a felling licence or an environmental impact assessment.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • photographs of the completed work
  • a copy of any advice from the Forestry Commission

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work
  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
  • photographs of the trees to be removed

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Questions about SB3?

Ask Tom anything about this subsidy, eligibility, evidence requirements, or compatibility with other actions.