Surrey, West Sussex & Hampshire
Spruce trees across parts of England are increasingly affected by pests and disease, including the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). As a result, grant schemes have been introduced to help landowners assess their spruce woodland and plan future management.
We carry out professional spruce tree removal and woodland work across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, and we regularly work with landowners who are exploring whether grant support may apply to their site.
This page explains the grant in simple terms and how we can help you decide your next steps.
What is the Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) grant?
The Spruce Site Assessment (SSA) grant is a Forestry Commission scheme designed to help landowners:
- Assess the amount and condition of spruce on their land
- Understand the risks from bark beetle infestation
- Plan potential felling and replanting operations
The grant provides a fixed payment to cover the cost of carrying out an assessment — it does not automatically fund tree removal.
Who is the grant for?
You may be eligible if:
- You own or manage land with spruce trees
- Your land is located within a designated bark beetle risk area
- You have at least a minimum area of spruce woodland
- There is no current statutory notice already in place
Eligibility depends on location, tree species, woodland size and condition, and availability of grant places.
Because the criteria are specific and limited, not every site will qualify.
What the grant does not cover
It’s important to be clear:
- ❌ It does not guarantee funding for felling or removal
- ❌ It does not apply to small domestic garden trees
- ❌ It is not available everywhere
- ❌ Places are limited and offered on a first-come basis
The assessment helps inform future decisions and may support later applications for woodland management funding.
How we can help
We are experienced tree surgeons and woodland contractors working across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, with practical knowledge of:
- Spruce tree removal and sectional felling
- Woodland and estate-scale tree work
- Access, safety, and site constraints
- Working alongside Forestry Commission requirements
While we are not grant administrators, we can:
- Help you understand whether your site may be suitable
- Advise whether it’s worth exploring the SSA grant
- Carry out professional tree work where removal is required
- Support longer-term woodland management plans
Our role is to give you clear, honest advice based on the realities of your site.
Is it worth applying?
In many cases, the first step is simply understanding whether your land meets the basic criteria. If you’re unsure:
- Whether your woodland qualifies
- What condition your spruce trees are in
- Whether assessment or removal is the right next step
A quick conversation can often save a lot of time and uncertainty.
Get in touch to see if your woodland may qualify
If you own or manage land with spruce trees in Surrey, West Sussex or Hampshire, we’re happy to discuss your situation and advise on next steps.
Contact us to:
- Talk through your site
- Understand your options
- Decide whether the grant is worth exploring
Contact us today to discuss your spruce woodland
Please note: Grant availability and eligibility are determined by the Forestry Commission. We do not guarantee funding or approval and always recommend confirming details through official guidance.