Licence System for the movement and processing of wood from woodland sites infected with Phytophthora pathogens.
Introduction
Once infected trees have been felled to comply with a Plant Health Notice, and if the round wood is to be sold, woodland owners may then move the round wood off site and sell it for further milling or processing, subject to the conditions described below. An assessment of the risks of disease transmission in these circumstances has been prepared with advice from Forest Research scientists.
This Risk Assessment permits movement and processing of round wood provided the prescribed biosecurity measures are applied and the movement and subsequent processing are authorised within the licence system described below.
Our understanding and knowledge of the disease and how it spreads is improving all the time. Consequently the risk assessment and licence system are subject to regular review and might be updated. This website will always carry the latest information.
Licence System
Anyone wishing to move Phytophthora-affected wood from a forest site (or subsequently move the affected material from a mill or processing site) must first apply for and be issued with a Movement Licence. Phytophthora-affected wood may only be moved to a facility that holds a valid Processing Licence.
Anyone wishing to mill or process Phytophthora-affected wood must apply for and be issued with a Processing Licence before they can accept it into their facility.
The Licence System document gives full details of the licence and application process and contacts for further information.
Movement of round wood from uninfected sites is currently unrestricted. The movement of square-sawn timber cut from Phytophthora-affected wood is also unrestricted.
Definition
“Phytophthora-affected wood” means the round wood of any tree species originating from sites known to be infected with Phytophthora ramorum, and any processed material that includes parts of the external surfaces of the round wood from these sites.
Inspection fees
In accordance with Schedule 1 of the Plant Health (Fees) (Forestry) Regulations 2006, a fee is payable for the issue of a movement or processing licence after an inspection has taken place at the applicant's premises and approval to issue the licence has been granted. The rate of fee payable is £37 for the first hour (including travel and office time) and £9.25 for each additional 15 minutes or part thereof thereafter. The applicant will be provided with an invoice stating the total fee payable, based on the time taken by the inspector to travel to and from the site and the time taken at the site. Because these are statutory fees they are not subject to VAT.
Application forms
Below are links to the application forms for a Movement Licence, a Processing Licence, and a Licence to use Phytophthora-affected wood in woodfuel and wood panel processing, together with the Schedule for the Movement Licence and lists of authorised processors and woodland agents. The Licence System document provides more details.
- Movement licence (pdf - January 2012)
- Movement licence Schedule (pdf - April 2010)
- Processing licence (pdf - January 2012)
- Authorised processors of larch from infected sites
- Woodfuel and wood panel processing licence application form
