Restore Native Woodlands: £3,500-£5,500 Available for Rhododendron Control in England

Invasive rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is one of the most damaging non-native plants in the UK countryside. It forms dense thickets that shade out native flora, prevents woodland regeneration, and reduces biodiversity. Once established, it is notoriously difficult and costly to eradicate. Recognizing the urgent need to tackle this problem, the Rural Payments Agency has opened a new grant opportunity under the Countryside Stewardship scheme: SB6: Rhododendron Control.

This grant provides £3,500 to £5,500 per application for eligible land managers in England, including foresters, landowners, and other rural businesses. The funding is available through two routes: as part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2026 or a Woodland Tree Health grant. Applications are open from 22 May 2026 until 31 December 2026, with decisions expected by early 2027.

Why Rhododendron Control Matters

Rhododendron ponticum was introduced to the UK in the 18th century as an ornamental plant, but it quickly escaped gardens and spread across woodlands, heathlands, and moorlands. It thrives in acidic soils and shades out sunlight, creating a hostile environment for native plants and the animals that depend on them. Key impacts include:

• Loss of biodiversity: Rhododendron outcompetes bluebells, ferns, and other woodland ground flora.
• Disrupted woodland regeneration: Tree seedlings cannot establish in deep shade, leading to aging forests with no young trees.
• Harbouring disease: Rhododendron can host pathogens like Phytophthora ramorum, which threatens native trees such as larch and oak.
• High eradication costs: Manual removal and herbicide treatment require significant labour and equipment, often costing thousands per hectare.

By funding control works, this grant helps reverse these impacts, restoring ecosystem health and resilience.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include land managers in England - farmers, foresters, woodland owners, and other rural businesses. You must apply as part of a Higher Tier Capital Grant 2026 agreement or a Woodland Tree Health grant. The grant is not available for stand-alone applications.

To qualify, the land must be under your control for at least five years from the grant agreement start date. You must also have a clear management plan for the controlled area, including follow-up maintenance to prevent regrowth.

What the Grant Covers

The grant supports the full cost of rhododendron control, including:

• Mechanical removal: Cutting, pulling, or mulching using machinery.
• Herbicide treatment: Targeted chemical application by qualified professionals.
• Disposal: Safe removal and disposal of cut material to prevent regrowth.

Grants cover up to 100% of eligible costs, with payment rates set by the Rural Payments Agency. The minimum grant is £3,500, and the maximum is £5,500 per application. If your project costs exceed this, you can combine it with other grants or self-fund the remainder.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Capital Grant Finder on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder?&_grant=14). You will need to provide:

• A description of the rhododendron infestation and proposed control methods.
• A map of the treatment area.
• A cost breakdown.
• A management plan for post-control monitoring and maintenance.

The application window is brief - from 22 May to 31 December 2026 - so start planning early. Applications are assessed on a competitive basis, with priority given to sites of high conservation value or those at risk from tree diseases.

Benefits Beyond the Grant

Controlling rhododendron unlocks long-term benefits for your land:

• Improved timber production: Restored woodlands produce higher-quality timber.
• Enhanced biodiversity: Native wildflowers, insects, and birds return.
• Better access: Dense thickets are impenetrable; removal opens up the land for recreation and management.
• Disease prevention: Removing rhododendron reduces the spread of tree pathogens.

Take Action Now

Invasive rhododendron is a growing crisis across England, but with this funding, land managers can make a real difference. Don't miss this opportunity to restore your woodlands, protect native species, and secure a healthier landscape for the future.

Apply online today via the Capital Grant Finder or contact your local Rural Payments Agency office for advice. Together, we can turn the tide against this relentless invader.