SM3: Training to control and manage non-native plants
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-10)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the training to control and manage non-native plants item.

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025 guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-tier-capital-grants-2025) to understand the rules and how to apply.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht) to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

Up to 100% of actual costs for each training course

How this item benefits the environment

Training to control and manage non-native plant species will help you understand how to manage the harm these plants cause to the natural environment.

Where you can use this item

With the approval of Natural England (or the Forestry Commission for woodland), you can only use this item alongside one of the following:
- CSP13: Invasive plant species control and management (lower rate) (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/csp13-invasive-plant-species-control-and-management-lower-rate)
- CSP14: Invasive plant species control and management (intermediate rate) (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/csp14-invasive-plant-species-control-and-management-intermediate-rate)
- CSP15: Invasive plant species control and management (upper rate) (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/csp15-invasive-plant-species-control-and-management-upper-rate)
What you must do to use this item

You must:
- find relevant training courses on how to control and manage invasive plant species
- provide a species management plan approved by Natural England or the Forestry Commission with your application
- provide at least 2 written quotations for the course costs with your application (where possible)
- agree which training course you will attend with Natural England or the Forestry Commission
- attend and complete a training course
If you can only find one suitable course, you can attend that course with the agreement of your Natural England or Forestry Commission adviser.

Evidence you must keep

You must provide evidence you have completed the training course (for example, a certificate or email from the training provider) when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep invoices or receipts of training courses you have attended and provide them on request.

Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2025) for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht).

Other items you can use with this item

Capital plans

You can use this item with these plans:

PA2: Feasibility study (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/feasibility-study-pa2)

PA3: Woodland management plan (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/woodland-management-plan-pa3)

PA7: Species management plan (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/pa7-species-management-plan)

Capital items

You can use this item with these items:

FM2: Carry out customised capital works to manage specific sites or species (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/major-preparatory-works-for-priority-habitats-creation-and-restoration-and-priority-species-fm2)

SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species (https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder/sm6-use-monitoring-equipment-to-manage-invasive-species)

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.

You advisor will work with you to determine the most appropriate management approach for the invasive non-native plant species that occur on your land. For some species, the most appropriate approach may include chemical control, which may require a NPTC PA1 and PA6 qualification. Speak to your advisors about training opportunities that may be available.