Guidance

Spruce Site Assessment funding: eligibility and how to apply

The Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) grant is for landowners and land managers in England with spruce trees on land inside the Ips typographus Proactive Spruce Removal Area.

• From: Forestry Commission
• Published: 1 October 2025
• Last updated: 1 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 1 July 2026

     Under 'Expected costs' clarified that all susceptible material found must be considered and appraised for felling when you estimate costs. Specified where photos of spruce are required in your SSA survey under 'After you have signed your agreement'.

  2. 8 April 2026

     Amended the guidance on how to apply for the Spruce Site Assessment, following the grant reopening into 2026/27. Added new version of the terms and conditions.

  3. 19 November 2025

     Updated information on 'Rates for felling and associated costs of proactive spruce removal' and 'Rates for permanent infrastructure'.

  4. 1 October 2025

     First published.

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

Documents

Guidance on how to apply for the SSA grant

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SSA funding agreement terms and conditions

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Details

Read the guidance on how to apply for the SSA grant to find out who can apply and what land is eligible.

The SSA grant is part of the continued drive in response to the threat of Ips typographus (eight-toothed spruce bark beetle) in the UK.