{"analytics_identifier":null,"base_path":"/countryside-stewardship-grants/rhododendron-control-sb6","content_id":"d1764f96-6ae6-481f-85a3-045aa07fb472","description":"Find out about eligibility and requirements for the rhododendron control item.","details":{"body":"<div class=\"example\">\n  <p>This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2026. You must read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-tier-capital-grants-2026\">Higher Tier Capital Grants 2026 guidance</a> to understand the rules and how to apply.<br><br>\nIf you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht\">CSHT applicant’s guide</a> to understand the rules and how to apply.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-much-youll-be-paid\">How much you’ll be paid </h2>\n\n<p>You’ll need to use the following codes when applying for different specifications for this capital item.</p>\n\n<table>\n  <thead>\n    <tr>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Application code</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Slope of site</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Rhododendron height</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Payment</th>\n    </tr>\n  </thead>\n  <tbody>\n    <tr>\n      <th scope=\"row\">SB6A</th>\n      <td>Level or gentle slope (0 to 11 degrees incline)</td>\n      <td>Average height is less than 2.5 metres (m) tall</td>\n      <td>£3,500 per hectare (ha)</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <th scope=\"row\">SB6B</th>\n      <td>Moderate slope (12 to 18 degrees incline)</td>\n      <td>Between 2.5m to 4m tall</td>\n      <td>£4,000 per ha</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <th scope=\"row\">SB6C</th>\n      <td>Steep or very steep slope (19 degrees or more)</td>\n      <td>Average height is over 4m tall</td>\n      <td>£5,500 per ha</td>\n    </tr>\n  </tbody>\n</table>\n\n<p>The higher rate will apply where the site is classed in one or more of these categories. For example, if the site is on a steep slope with an average height of less than 2.5m.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-this-item-benefits-the-environment\">How this item benefits the environment</h2>\n\n<p>Rhododendron reduces the biodiversity value of a site and hinders woodland regeneration. When it’s established, it’s difficult and costly to eradicate. It can also be a host for the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which affects larch.</p>\n\n<p>Controlling rhododendron reduces the negative effects it can have on a site.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"where-you-can-use-this-item\">Where you can use this item </h2>\n\n<p>You can use this item:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as part of a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-tree-health-grants-2026\">Woodland Tree Health grant</a>\n</li>\n  <li>with the agreement of the Forestry Commission, on the same area as land in <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/woodland-improvement-wd2\">WD2: Woodland improvement</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/cwd2-woodland-improvement\">CWD2: Woodland improvement</a>\n</li>\n  <li>on other habitats with the agreement of Natural England</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You must get consent from Historic England to use the item on a scheduled monument.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-you-must-do-to-use-this-item\">What you must do to use this item</h2>\n\n<p>As part of your agreement, you’re likely to need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>check the slope on the ground – you cannot base it solely on map contours</li>\n  <li>destroy all rhododendron within the target area</li>\n  <li>cut all live rhododendron material from the stump, allowing access for chemical spraying of any re-growth</li>\n  <li>treat all stumps with a suitable herbicide on the day of being cut and in frost free and rain free conditions – rain should not be forecast for at least 6 hours</li>\n  <li>dispose of cut material so it allows access to stumps for chemical spraying of any re-growth</li>\n  <li>control any harmful weed species (when the site regenerates) if there’s a risk of spread to pastureland (used by grazing livestock or conserved for forage)</li>\n  <li>chemically treat re-growth with a recommended herbicide – follow the manufacturer’s guidance on application rates and safety requirements</li>\n  <li>keep the operations in line with recommendations in the Forestry Commission practice guide <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/publications/managing-and-controlling-invasive-rhododendron/\">Managing and controlling invasive rhododendron</a>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"removing-infected-rhododendron\">Removing infected rhododendron</h3>\n\n<p>When removing rhododendron infected with Phytophthora ramorum or Phythopthora kernoviae, you must:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>clean or disinfect clothing, equipment and vehicles following advice in the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/documents/5498/FC_Biosecurity_Guidance_Y6HQJHZ.pdf\">Forestry Commission biosecurity guidance</a>\n</li>\n  <li>use disinfectants that have gone through a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) safety assessment and an environmental assessment</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"burning-waste-material\">Burning waste material</h3>\n\n<p>You may need to discuss if you should burn cut waste material with your local Forestry Commission or Natural England adviser. If told to burn it, you must:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>agree in advance where the burn site will be</li>\n  <li>build bonfires far enough away from trees (at least 10m from the crown of any tree) to avoid damaging them</li>\n  <li>make sure burning sites and piles of wood are not on patches of ground where they could damage species-rich grassland, anthills or other ecological or archaeological features</li>\n  <li>clean up the site as soon as possible after burning – burning on a metal sheet reduces damage to the soil and makes it easier to remove ash from the site</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"what-your-management-plan-must-include\">What your management plan must include</h3>\n\n<p>If you want to use this item on a woodland site. your woodland management plan needs to identify rhododendron as both:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>being present</li>\n  <li>posing a threat to successful management</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>These do not apply if you’re removing rhododendron due to a tree health issue.</p>\n\n<p> You should discuss and agree requirements that are specific to your site with your adviser.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"evidence-you-must-keep\">Evidence you must keep </h2>\n\n<p>You must keep photographs of the completed work and provide with your claim.</p>\n\n<p>You must also keep and provide on request:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>an approved woodland management plan (unless the rhododendron is infected by Phytopthora ramorum, Phytophthora kernoviae or within 3km of a Statutory Plant Health Notice and you do not need a management plan)</li>\n  <li>any bank statements, receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work</li>\n  <li>a Forestry Commission Management Plan approval letter (if required)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2026\">Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants</a> for more information.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht\">CSHT agreement holder’s guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"advice-to-help-you-use-this-item\">Advice to help you use this item</h2>\n\n<p>The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"assessing-the-slope-class\">Assessing the slope class</h3>\n\n<p>The payment rate depends on the slope of the site and height of the rhododendron.</p>\n\n<p>You can estimate the slope by eye, but a clinometer will give a better assessment.</p>\n\n<p>Contours on maps can give an indication of slope but you’ll need to check the slope on the ground.</p>\n\n<table>\n  <thead>\n    <tr>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Slope class</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Type</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Percentage incline (%)</th>\n      <th scope=\"col\">Degree</th>\n    </tr>\n  </thead>\n  <tbody>\n    <tr>\n      <td>1</td>\n      <td>Level</td>\n      <td>0 to 10</td>\n      <td>0 to 6</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>2</td>\n      <td>Gentle</td>\n      <td>11 to 20</td>\n      <td>7 to 11</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>3</td>\n      <td>Moderate</td>\n      <td>21 to 33</td>\n      <td>12 to 18</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>4</td>\n      <td>Steep</td>\n      <td>34 to 50</td>\n      <td>19 to 27</td>\n    </tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>5</td>\n      <td>Very steep</td>\n      <td>over 51</td>\n      <td>over 28</td>\n    </tr>\n  </tbody>\n</table>\n","change_history":[{"note":"Updated guidance to advise you must get consent from Historic England to use the item on a scheduled monument.","public_timestamp":"2026-02-19T12:21:19Z"},{"note":"Added the codes you'll need to use when applying for different rates for this capital item.","public_timestamp":"2025-09-15T12:16:00Z"},{"note":"You can use this item on other habitats with the agreement of Natural England.","public_timestamp":"2025-05-29T11:42:39Z"},{"note":"General improvement for clarity.","public_timestamp":"2025-02-03T11:59:28Z"},{"note":"Text in 'Where to use this item' section has been updated.","public_timestamp":"2024-05-15T12:31:09Z"},{"note":"This item is now available for Higher Tier Capital Grants","public_timestamp":"2023-02-13T15:47:59Z"},{"note":"Updated for 2017 applications.","public_timestamp":"2017-03-08T17:29:37Z"},{"note":"Information updated for applications in 2016","public_timestamp":"2016-03-29T14:53:38Z"},{"note":"First published.","public_timestamp":"2015-04-02T10:48:12Z"}],"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 "},{"headers":[{"id":"removing-infected-rhododendron","level":3,"text":"Removing infected rhododendron"},{"id":"burning-waste-material","level":3,"text":"Burning waste material"},{"id":"what-your-management-plan-must-include","level":3,"text":"What your management plan must include"}],"id":"what-you-must-do-to-use-this-item","level":2,"text":"What you must do to use this 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