Extending the tree health pilot scheme

I’m pleased to share that funding for the tree health pilot scheme has been extended. In this post, I’ll include a short overview of the scheme and details of what the extension includes.
Elspeth works in the Future Farming and Countryside Programme's Tree Health Policy team.
I’m pleased to share that funding for the tree health pilot scheme has been extended. In this post, I’ll include a short overview of the scheme and details of what the extension includes.
Last month, members of the team gathered at Hockey’s Farm in Hampshire situated on the edge of the New Forest. Together, we planted 1,500 small trees to establish a new native hedgerow across pastural farmland. In this post, I'll share more about the day and some of the ways through which we're supporting hedgerows in our schemes.
Those who started an SFI application within 2 months of 11 March 2025 but did not submit it by that date will be given 6 weeks to complete an application, subject to specific restrictions, including a cap of £9,300 per year per agreement.
Read the full update from Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme.
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved.
This week, we’ll be at:
NSA Sheep South West in East Knowstone Devon – 25 June
The Royal Norfolk Show in Norwich – 25–26 June
The CAAV Conference in Edinburgh – 27 June
Come and say hello to our team.
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025.
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provide free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.