TE18: Pruning to restore veteran fruit trees
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the pruning to restore veteran fruit trees item.
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
£146 per tree – you can only claim for each tree once during the 3-year length of the agreement
How this item benefits the environment
Restoring mature and veteran fruit trees with undisturbed standing and fallen deadwood provides a valuable habitat for local wildlife (invertebrates, birds and bats).
Where you can use this item
You can only use this item on neglected fruit trees alongside one of these actions or options:
- CBE4: Manage traditional orchards
- CBE5: Create traditional orchards
- BE4: Management of traditional orchards
- BE5: Creation of traditional orchards
You can use this item with the approval of your Natural England adviser (or an adviser acting on their behalf).
What you must do to use this item
You must:
- prune neglected fruit trees, to prolong their life and ensure habitat features are preserved
- prune apple and pear trees between October and April
- prune stone fruit trees between May and September
- place fallen deadwood in both sunny and shady positions
You must not:
- prune more than one-third of the woody growth in the crown of each tree
- remove or burn standing, attached and fallen deadwood or pruned wood from the orchard (unless diseased)
You should claim for works only when you have carried out works on each tree.
Evidence you must keep
You must keep and provide with your claim:
- receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the works
- photographs of the trees have applied for showing the work you have done for this item
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.