The Scottish Government

1.

Fell/ extract dangerous large tree

Fell and extract large conifer and hardwoods in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Assumes each tree is greater than 1m ³OB.

Cost includes the labour and the equipment used in the felling of the tree, clearing of brash and stacking of timber.

Cost includes use of manual or mechanical winches for takedown.

Cost includes skidder or forwarder extraction to roadside and stacking at roadside.

€292/ tree

2.

Manual brashing

Brashing to increase light levels along routes, paths and path edges, to open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

Cuts should be flush with stem. Includes pruning up to 1.5metres high

€0.51/ tree

3.

High pruning

High pruning to increase light levels along path edges, to open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access and/or recreation agreement.

Should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

Cuts should be flush with stem. Includes pruning up to 6 metres high.

The first stage of high pruning larger branches is to remove most of the weight of the branch to ease the later cuts. This is achieved 6-12 inches away from the stem by a first undercut to prevent splitting followed by a second top cut which severs the branch at this point. Before the final cut is made the 'branch bark ridge' must be identified: this is an external feature which is readily visible at the trunk/bark junction. The final cut must not disturb this ridge or the internal anatomical features associated with it.

Presumes that woodland has been brashed previously or lower branches are minimal.

€1.90/ tree

4.

Badger gate installed in fence-lines which are cutting across an established badger run

A self-closing, heavy timber flap-style gate with a solid timber door 40 mm thick, 250 mm high and 170 mm wide. The gate with heavy door allows badgers to continue to use the run in the presence of the fence without allowing rabbits to pass through. Once installed, the gate must be maintained in good working order. This standard cost covers the cost of any necessary re-siting following monitoring of badgers' use of the gate. A specification for a badger gate is available in the Forestry Commission publication: 'Forest Research Technical Guide - Forest Fencing'.

€160.60 per gate

5.

Respace natural regeneration

Respacing is the cutting to waste of closely stocked and established regenerated trees & young saplings at an early stage before canopy closure to give the remaining trees enough time to grow. This operation allows the woodland, and its design, to form and allows the steering of tree species composition to meet the woodland owner's objectives.

In order to qualify for grant, the current stocking density must exceed 4,000 stems per hectare.

All trees to be removed should be cut as low as possible to the ground below the bottom whorl to ensure that no regrowth occurs.

The operation should be carried out to produce stocking densities at 2,000 - 3,000 broadleaf stems per hectare and 2,000 - 3,000 conifer stems per hectare.

€730/ hectare

6.

Early pruning of trees

Early pruning improves the woodland environment for wildlife and facilitates improved, safer access. It can also encourage the formation of good stem and branch structure, by improving the orientation, spacing, growth rate, strength of attachment and ultimately size of branches. Well planned, formative pruning during the establishment of a young tree can prolong its useful life expectancy within the context of the particular woodland objectives.

This type of pruning can reduce the need for large branch removal, and the creation of oversized wounds, when the tree is older, helping to engineer crowns which need less pruning when mature, and wherever possible limiting the development of weak structural features which may fail in latter life.

The main criteria comprise:-

To ensure no adverse effects on individual tree increment, at least one-third of the total height of the tree should be crown.

Early or formative pruning should be carried out within crops over 5 years old or up to 3 metres tall.

Pruning should occur on up to 1000 stems/hectare.

€365/ hectare

7.

High pruning of trees

High pruning is the selective reduction and removal of branches to create some vertical lift of the tree canopy, allowing space under the tree for light, people, wildlife, vehicles and/or existing buildings. It can also open up views or create a variety of habitat in areas under a managed access, recreation and/or biodiversity improvement agreement.

Should be carried out using purpose made hand or mechanical pruning saws.

To ensure no adverse effects on individual tree increment, at least one-third of the total height of the tree should be crown.

High pruning should be carried out to achieve a minimum of 4 metres and up to 10 metres clear stem at the time of the first pruning operation.

The first stage of high pruning larger branches is to remove most of the weight of the branch to ease the later cuts. This is achieved 6-12 inches away from the stem by a first undercut to prevent splitting followed by a second top cut which severs the branch at this point. Before the final cut is made the 'branch bark ridge' must be identified: this is an external feature which is readily visible at the trunk/bark junction. The final cut must not disturb this ridge or the internal anatomical features associated with it.

€584/ hectare

8.

Pre-commercial & non commercial woodland thinning

This standard cost is available for the removal of young trees to reduce the overall stocking density of the woodland to better meet environmental and other objectives and outcomes for the woodland.

You must prepare a report stating the current stocking of the woodland, the number and percentage of unwanted stems to be thinned and the desired stocking density of the woodland after the completion of the operations. This must be agreed with FCS.

Within the application the applicant must demonstrate that the operation incurs a net cost. i.e. the operation is non commercial and is carried out prior to the start of the thinning window.

The grant will only be available once for conifer woods, twice for predominantly ash, sycamore and birch woods and three times for predominantly oak and beech woods.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

Chemical thinning operations maybe carried out following the latest Forestry Commission Scotland guidance.

€219/ hectare

9.

Removal of tree crop to waste 3m - 6m high

For the removal of thicket stage crops of between 3m and 6m high for improving biodiversity, designed landscape and/or recreational important areas.

You must prepare a plan showing the area designated for tree removal and the management reasons behind this. This must be agreed with FCS.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

All trees to be removed should be cut as low as possible to the ground below the bottom whorl to ensure that no regrowth occurs.

€1,095/ hectare

10.

Woodland clearance benefiting raised bog/blanket bog - felling of waste

For the clearance of plantation where it is adversely affecting the hydrology of a raised bog or blanket bog and their associated species.

You must prepare a plan showing the area designated for tree removal and the management reasons behind this. This must be agreed with FCS.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

All trees to be removed should be cut as low as possible to the ground below the bottom whorl to ensure that no regrowth occurs.

€1,424/ hectare

11.

Woodland clearance benefiting raised bog/blanket bog - felling and extraction

For the clearance of plantation where it is adversely affecting the hydrology of a raised bog or blanket bog and their associated species.

You must prepare a plan showing the area designated for tree removal and the management reasons behind this. This must be agreed with FCS.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

All trees to be removed should be cut as low as possible to the ground below the bottom whorl to ensure that no regrowth occurs.

€2,007.50/ hectare

12.

Seedling tree removal

For the hand pulling of natural regeneration following the clearance of woodland and where the seedlings have the potential to significantly adversely affect the hydrology of a raised bog or blanket bog and their associated species.

€51.10/ hectare

13.

Small scale woodland thinning

For the small scale thinning of trees for improving biodiversity, designed landscape and/or recreational important areas.

You must prepare a report stating the current stocking of the woodland, the number and percentage of unwanted stems to be thinned and the desired stocking density of the woodland after the completion of the operations. This must be agreed with FCS.

If felling conifers, stump protection procedures must be followed.

Cut trees must not be left hanging or leaning on adjacent trees for safety reasons.

This grant is only applicable if the net cost of the operation exceeds the standard cost.

Small scale felling and/or thinning will apply to discrete areas of up to 0.25ha in size and overall will not cover more than 25% of the eligible woodland area.

€438/ hectare

14.

Chipping / mulching of tree debris & brash

Scrub, branches and other timber can be put through a wood-chipping machine in circumstances where a site clear of debris is an objective. The chips produced can also be a useful material for path surfacing and mulching.

Machines vary from petrol-driven garden shredders which can shred prunings and branches up to 75mm, up to large chipping machines which can deal with timber from 150mm diameter up to whole trees.

Chippers and shredders should only be operated by trained persons.

€730/ hectare

15.

Gate:

For stock fence

For deer fence

Gates must be fit for the purpose of enabling appropriate management or allowing any necessary husbandry operations to be carried out, e.g. livestock grazing control or woodland establishment.

The gate must have a minimum width of 3 metres and be correctly fitted with hangings and latches. The use of wire, rope, baler twine etc. to secure the gate is not acceptable. The standard cost includes the cost of one strainer.

Gates and gate posts will be either timber or galvanised steel. Timber is to be of CCP pressure-treated softwood or untreated hardwood.

Access provision should always take account of the needs of people with disabilities.

€146 each

€248.20 each

16.

Restructuring with Caledonia Scots pine and other conifer species

The standard cost for restructuring is calculated on the basis of the additional cost of establishing a successor crop.

The additional cost of establishing a successor crop attributed to this method of restructuring includes the planting (including labour and cost of tree), the beating-up, the weeding (following the procedures and guidance from FC Field Book 8 'The use of herbicides in the forest'), weevil control, fertilising and the supervision until the site is established. This standard cost per hectare also includes the costs of any necessary and appropriate ground preparation and protection measures (fencing or individual tree shelters) you carry out to ensure tree establishment.

In carrying out the planting operations, we will require you to choose species and stocking levels which are appropriate to the site and appropriate to the objective(s) which your proposals are designed to meet.

The minimum stocking densities per hectare are set out in the relevant grant objective.

€654/ hectare

17.

Restructuring with mixed broadleaves

The standard cost for restructuring is calculated on the basis of the additional cost of establishing a successor crop.

The additional cost of establishing a successor crop attributed to this method of restructuring includes the planting (including labour and cost of tree), the beating-up, the weeding (following the procedures and guidance from FC Field Book 8 'The use of herbicides in the forest'), weevil control, fertilising and the supervision until the site is established. This standard cost per hectare also includes the costs of any necessary and appropriate ground preparation and protection measures (fencing or individual tree shelters) you carry out to ensure tree establishment.

In carrying out the planting operations, we will require you to choose species and stocking levels which are appropriate to the site and appropriate to the objective(s) which your proposals are designed to meet.

The minimum stocking densities per hectare are set out in the relevant grant objective.

€1,463/ hectare

18.

Restructuring with native broadleaves

The standard cost for restructuring is calculated on the basis of the additional cost of establishing a successor crop.

The additional cost of establishing a successor crop attributed to this method of restructuring includes the planting (including labour and cost of tree), the beating-up, the weeding (following the procedures and guidance from FC Field Book 8 'The use of herbicides in the forest'), weevil control, fertilising and the supervision until the site is established. This standard cost per hectare also includes the costs of any necessary and appropriate ground preparation and protection measures (fencing or individual tree shelters) you carry out to ensure tree establishment.

In carrying out the planting operations, we will require you to choose species and stocking levels which are appropriate to the site and appropriate to the objective(s) which your proposals are designed to meet.

The minimum stocking densities per hectare are set out in the relevant grant objective.

€1,605/ hectare

19.

Woodland deer impact reduction

The standard cost supports the net cost of reducing and maintaining deer numbers at levels that prevent damage to trees and important woodland habitats. Browsing by wild deer is recognised as a serious negative impact on many woodland habitats because they prevent the regeneration of tree seedlings in the woodland and adversely impact on important ground flora species. Priority will be given to woodlands identified on the programme for joint action on deer management.

The proposed operations should be set out in a Deer Management Plan ( DMP), which complies with the Deer Commission for Scotland best practice guidance. This must include an itemised projection of expenditure and revenue for a period of at least 5 years.

The payment will cover deer control over the eligible woodland area during the first 5 years of the DMP. Monitoring evidence on the success of the DMP must be submitted in year 5, at which time the plan will be reviewed and eligibility for further support will be considered. Payment under this Measure will not coincide with payments for deer management under any other Measure.

Woodland in receipt of annual payments for the management of native woodlands or the management of areas of Low Impact Silvicultural Systems ( LISS) will be ineligible.

€43.80/hectare

20.

Forest plan preparation

To provide a long-term (10-20 years) strategic plan to ensure that the management of a woodland meets the standards set out in the UK Forest Standard and provide an approval framework for specific woodland management actions which will enhance the environmental value of the woodland. The applicant must undertake a 'scoping' exercise to engage formally with consultees.

The basic investment secured by the Forest Plan is the development of a planned approach to the sequencing of felling and subsequent restructuring to secure environmental enhancement. It is a condition of payment that all approved Forest Plans must be implemented through the sequential approach to felling and restructuring, or through the introduction of an appropriate Low Impact Silvicultural System, as set out in the UKFS and as detailed in individual Forest Plans. The cost of supporting the preparation of a Forest Plan is paid only as part of the general costs within a wider investment project. Therefore work to initiate the implementation of an approved Forest Plan must start within 3 years of the approval date.

The approved Forest Plan is always issued with a Felling Licence which fulfils the basic legal requirement for any person felling trees in Scotland. The attachment of the detailed Forest Plan, which must be implemented as a Felling Licence Condition, delivers a much higher environmental benefit than would be possible using the basic legal conditions available when using a Felling Licence alone. Because of the legal status of the Forest Plan relative to the Felling Licence it is important that the plan is approved for a definite period within which the Felling Licence is also valid. 10 year Forest Plan approval period is viewed as being the optimum. Although the Forest Plan agreement runs for up to 10 years no further payments are made beyond the initial contribution to the general costs of preparing the plan which is necessary to deliver the wider non-productive investment.

Applicants must provide the following in maps:

• Location
• Forest Plan Concept map showing the issues / constraints specific to the FP area.
• First 10 years of felling
• Boundary eligible for Plan Preparation Grant
• Indicative regeneration and creation of open space map
• Deforestation Area map. (Areas that are to be clear felled within the term of the plan but that will not be restocked due to environmental or development reasons).
• Environmental Impacts Map (an accurate representation of the scale and location of any activities proposed for approval within the FP which fall within the scope of the Forestry EIA Regulation and, therefore, require determination on the need for an EIA)
• Area covered by any Forest Environment Payment types applied for (differentiated between LISS, native woodland, Social).
• Area covered by any Woodland Improvement Grants

Depending on the complexity of the issues being dealt with, and issues raised during scoping, other mapped information may be required in support of the FP application.

Applicants must provide the following in text, graphic, or tabulated format.

• Description of the area covered by the FP: In particular this should set the FP area in the context of the surrounding landscape as well as the features actually contained within the FP area.
• Summarise the stakeholder engagement involved in the development of the plan, the substantive issues arising from plan scoping and the extent to which the submitted plan addresses those issues. In this context stakeholder engagement encompasses everything from informal discussions with neighbours through to EIA.
• Management objectives and links to SFS outcomes: This section should explain what the main management drivers are in the FP area, describe why these are relevant to the priority outcomes identified in the SFS, and describe the extent to which these will have been delivered at the end of the 10 year FP approval period.

Where FEP is applied for the applicant must provide summary details of LISS, Native Woodland and Social / Recreation areas.

Where Restructuring WIG is approved, claims will need to be supported by the applicant providing;

• An annual estimate of Restructuring WIG requirements for the following year -total area and species breakdown based on the 4 Successor crop types detailed.
• A map clearly outlining the area of Restructuring WIG.
• An annual claim for Restructuring felling FEP.

€29.20/ha for first 200 ha, €7.30 per ha thereafter.

This is a single -payment made once the Forest Plan has been completed and approved by Forestry Commission Scotland

21

Dead wood management

For deadwood to make an important contribution to the conservation value of woodlands, it is recommended that a minimum of 5 m ³/ha of deadwood greater than 15 cm diameter be present over the whole forest. This value of retained deadwood will be greatest if it is concentrated in parts of the wood offering the highest potential for the development of saproxylic communities.

Maintaining deadwood habitat should involve:

• retaining existing old and large trees
• retaining accumulations of deadwood
• ensuring the continuity of the full range of deadwood habitats
• ensuring that even-age stands of trees are diversified to ensure a continuous supply of dead wood.
• operating a minimum intervention policy, this can generate natural levels of deadwood within 100 years.

Where existing dead wood provision is inadequate it can be augmented by;

• deadwood on living trees - avoiding surgery on trees that are not a risk to the public
• add standing deadwood - ring-barking selected trees that would not be a risk to the public.
• fallen wood - felling selected trees and leave to decay, preferably in dappled shade. - gathering sneddings from silvicultural operations into piles and leave to decay, preferably in dappled shade

€58.40/hectare

22

Stock fence

Conventional stock fencing should consist of stobs placed at intervals of no more than 3.5m centres with a minimum of 6 line wires or 2 line wires and woven wire netting. If a high tensile pattern fence is erected, the same requirements apply to the number of line wires or netting but stobs may be placed at up to 12m centres (6m spacing if cattle are present).

Fence to be erected to be fit for purpose ( i.e. to ensure exclusion of livestock).

Barbed wire should not be used as a separate line wire where fallow deer are present.

Minimum Woodwork Sizes: Fencing against sheep and cattle

The costs of gates (except water-gates) are not included within this standard cost. Gates will be installed where required to enable any appropriate management activities or husbandry operations to be carried out (see item 15). Gates for non-vehicular access must be installed, or gaps provided, in reasonable numbers and locations, sufficient to allow exercise of the right of responsible access (see item 16), or, as a last resort, stiles installed in reasonable numbers and locations, sufficient to allow exercise of the right of responsible access (see item 17).

Any water-gate must be fit for purpose, i.e. designed to keep watercourses stockproof, whatever the level of the water.

Electric fences can be used. Barbed wires must not be used in electrified fences. Warning notices must be displayed on all electric fences (including conventional fences or supports which carry bare lead wires) at access points and suitable intervals of 50 - 100 metres along their length.

€5.84/metre

23

Enhancing / modifying a stock fence (in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas)

When erecting a new stock fence in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas, this item is available as a supplement to the standard Stock Fence option. This standard cost is also available to modify an existing stock fence in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas The cost of this additional fence requirement includes the use of fence visibility marking materials (includes droppers and woodwork).

When modifying the existing fence, you must ensure that the existing fenceline has the capabilities to cope with the extra strain, has an appropriate top wire and has struts in appropriate positions.

All fencing woodwork should be treated.

Further details on the specifications and diagrams can be found in the FC Research Technical Guide: Forest Fencing (2006)

The core areas reflect the actual Scottish distribution of Capercaillie and black Grouse. These areas are defined and updated by RSPB and the subsequent maps are available from both FCS and RSPB.

The local Capercaillie/Black Grouse project officer, in conjunction with the RSPB, will provide advice on the siting of fences to reduce potential problems.

€2.92/metre

24

Deer fence

This standard cost is applicable where a deer fence is required in order to achieve the objectives of a woodland or non-woodland measure.

The deer fence specification is for protection of a managed area from all types of deer and a combination of these with cattle and/or sheep.

The minimum fence height for protection against roe deer is 1.5m. The minimum fence height for protection against red/sika/fallow deer is 1.8m.

Deer fences to be erected using woven high tensile, mild steel or welded rectangular mesh. The netting can vary from half to full length.

All fencing woodwork should be treated.

The costs of gates (except water-gates) are not included within this standard cost. Gates will be installed where required to enable any appropriate management activities or husbandry operations to be carried out (see item 15). Gates for non-vehicular access must be installed or gaps provided or, as a last resort, stiles installed in reasonable numbers and locations, sufficient to allow exercise of the right of responsible access (see items 16 & 17).

The position of the fenceline should take into account the right of responsible access.

Any water-gate must be fit for purpose, i.e. designed to keep watercourses stockproof, whatever the level of the water.

Further details on the specifications and diagrams (including the recommended woodwork sizes and spacings) can be found in the FC Research Technical Guide: Forest Fencing (2006).

€10.07/metre

25

Enhancing / modifying a deer fence (in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas)

When erecting a new fence in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas, this item is available as a supplement to the standard Deer Fence option. The cost of this additional fence requirement includes the use of fence visibility marking materials (includes droppers and woodwork). This standard cost is also available to modify an existing deer fence in Black Grouse and Capercaillie core areas

When modifying the existing fence, you must ensure that the existing fenceline has the capabilities to cope with the extra strain, has an appropriate top wire and has struts in appropriate positions.

All fencing woodwork should be treated.

Further details on the specifications and diagrams can be found in the FC Research Technical Guide: Forest Fencing (2006)

The core areas reflect the actual Scottish distribution of Capercaillie and black Grouse. These areas are defined and updated by RSPB and the subsequent maps are available from both FCS and RSPB.

The local Capercaillie/Black Grouse project officer, in conjunction with the RSPB, will provide advice on the siting of fences to reduce potential problems.

For full height woodwork:

• Chestnut paling & sawn softwood droppers @ 1.8m x 9m rolls. 4 spun wires. It is recommended that a max 15cm spacing of pales/droppers is used close to lek sites and 30cm spacing elsewhere, especially in exposed locations.
• The max spacings of 15cm should be used in areas where protection against roe deer is required.
• Top of paling to reach top of fence - no line wires should remain above the paling.
• 2.6m deer stakes (treated & round) @6m spacing. Paling wires stapled to posts once strained.
• Struts and thrust plates @ 12m spacing.
• Treated strainer posts and stays @ 100m spacing.
• 3 line wires at specification HT3.15mm or spring steel 2.65mm. Paling wires to be attached to top and bottom line wires alternately every metre with stainless steel sack-ties, hog rings or line ties.

For half length woodwork:

• Chestnut paling & sawn softwood droppers @ 1.0m x 9m rolls. 3 spun wires. It is recommended that a max 15cm spacing of pales/droppers is used close to lek sites and 30cm spacing elsewhere, especially in exposed locations.
• The max spacings of 15cm should be used in areas where protection against roe deer is required.
• Paling to be placed as the top half of fence above rabbit or rectangular net @ 90cm. Top of paling to reach top of fence - no line wires should remain above the paling.
• 5'6" treated and round posts at 6m spacing.
• 2.6m deer stakes (treated & round) @6m spacing. Paling wires stapled to posts once strained.
• Struts and thrust plates @ 12m spacing.
• Treated strainer posts and stays @ 100m spacing.
• 3 line wires at specification HT3.15mm or spring steel 2.65mm. Paling wires to be attached to top and bottom line wires alternately every metre with stainless steel sack-ties, hog rings or line ties.

€7.30/metre

26

Fence removal

The fence should be completely dismantled and all materials removed from site for re-use/recycling or disposed of in a suitable landfill site - as recognised by the local authority.

€2.92/metre

27

Ditch/drain blocking with plastic piling dams:

Small ditches (up to 0.5 m wide & deep)

Medium ditches (between 0.5m and 1 m wide & deep)

Large ditches (between 1m and 2m wide and 0.5m and 1m deep)

Ditch blocking will be appropriate for the restoration of the natural hydrology of bog habitats. For existing ditches which are actively taking water off the bogs, block ditches at intervals by manually installing dams made of impermeable plastic sheeting (known as plastic piling) to raise or maintain the water table at or just below the surface of the vegetation. Vehicles can only be used where they will not damage ground vegetation. Detailed requirements for location and installation are provided within Guidance Note.

You will be required to carry out an inspection of the dams each year, and undertake any minor maintenance work required.

You will be required to provide an annual report, preferably with photographs, to record the condition of your dams and note any control work undertaken. See monitoring guidance sheet for details of the method to use.

€87.60 per dam

€175.20 per dam

€408.80 per dam

28

Small-scale tree and shrub planting (on a site not exceeding 0.25 hectares)

Small scale tree and shrub planting and woodland enrichment will apply to discrete areas up to 0.25ha in size and overall will not cover more than 25% of the eligible woodland area.

The standard cost includes the costs of the individual tree protection measure (tree shelter plus treated softwood stake / hardwood stake).

The costings attributed to this method of establishment / enrichment include the planting (including labour and cost of tree), the beating-up, the weeding, fertilising and the supervision until the site is established.

Stake should penetrate the ground for at least 30cm, be below the lip of the treeshelter but 10cm above the upper tie.

Ties should not encircle the tree to enable later removal. Care is required to ensure the lower tie does not ensnare the tree.

The top of the treeshelter should be of rounded or folded design to minimise damage to the emerging tree. Treeshelter to be pushed into the ground to minimise access by voles. Length of treeshelter is dependent upon the type of browsing that is likely to occur.

In carrying out the planting operations, we will require you to choose species and stocking levels which are appropriate to the site and appropriate to the objective(s) which your proposals are designed to meet.

Applicants proposing to plant trees should be strongly advised to discuss their proposals with those neighbours whose properties might be affected.

Where roadside tree planting is proposed and planting is to be within 5 metres of the edge of any made-up carriageway, you should provide confirmation that the Local Highways Authority does not object to your proposals.

€2.92/tree or shrub