This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2026. You must read the Higher Tier capital grants 2026 guidance to understand the rules and how to apply.
\n\nIf 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.
\n| Threshold | \nPayment | \n
|---|---|
| First 30 hectares (ha) | \n£13.63 per ha (minimum payment £300) | \n
| Over 30 ha\n | \n£4.09 per ha\n | \n
Completing a condition assessment on your woodland will help you identify which features improve your local environment. This can include identifying features that:
\n\nYou’ll also find out if there are any threats to your woodland, such as harm from invasive species or tree diseases. This enables you to act early and reduce any negative effect on your woodland.
\n\nYou can use this item, with the agreement of the Forestry Commission, to:
\n\nYou cannot use this item on:
\n\nYou must complete a woodland condition assessment for either:
\n\nThere are 2 ways you can do this:
\n\nUse Operations note 69 to carry out a woodland condition assessment.
\n\nYou need to include all 15 indicators listed in Annex 1 in your assessment.
\n\nYour assessment must also include a map identifying your woodland areas and the survey plot locations.
\n\nOnce you’ve completed the assessment, you need to score it against the thresholds given for each of the 15 features.\nUse the whole woodland survey score sheet in Annex 1 to score your woodland under different criteria.
\n\nFor WCA 5 if your total score is:
\n\nUse the Sylva woodland condition assessment tool to calculate your woodland assessment.
\n\nYou’ll need to create an account and download the app to begin.
\n\nThe woodland condition app automatically calculates the woodland condition score for your woodland and produces a downloadable summary report, which confirms that you have carried out an assessment. The scores (1 or 2 or 3) for each individual indicator are added together to give a total score for the woodland assessed.
\n\nYou must keep a copy of the completed assessments, including maps and condition scores and provide them with your claim.
\n\nYou must also keep and provide on request:
\n\nRead 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.
\n\nIf you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.
\n\nThe following advice may help you use this item:
\n\nField Studies Council woodland condition assessment.
\n\nOnce you’ve completed your assessment, contact the Forestry Commission for advice on whether you need to apply for a Woodland Tree Health grant.
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","public_timestamp":"2026-07-10T07:16:51Z"},{"note":"Updated link to Agreement holder's guide from 2025 to 2026.","public_timestamp":"2026-05-28T09:58:40Z"},{"note":"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.\r\n\r\nIf you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.","public_timestamp":"2025-10-08T10:17:27Z"},{"note":"Replaced the guidance to include a choice of ways to carry out a woodland condition assessment.","public_timestamp":"2025-09-16T14:06:12Z"},{"note":"First published.","public_timestamp":"2025-07-03T11:37:25Z"}],"headers":[{"id":"how-much-youll-be-paid","level":2,"text":"How much you'll be paid"},{"id":"how-this-item-benefits-the-environment","level":2,"text":"How this item benefits the environment "},{"id":"where-you-can-use-this-item","level":2,"text":"Where you can use this item "},{"id":"what-you-must-do-to-use-this-item","level":2,"text":"What you must do to use this item "},{"headers":[{"id":"how-to-calculate-the-condition-score","level":3,"text":"How to calculate the condition score"}],"id":"follow-the-forestry-commissions-operations-note-69","level":2,"text":"1. 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