Funding available for trees affected by OPM on private land

In recent years, Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) activity has increased across parts of Elmbridge during the summer. OPM caterpillars can damage oak trees and their tiny hairs may cause mild irritation to people and animals, including: 

• skin rashes or irritation
• eye or throat discomfort
• breathing difficulties in some cases 

Our Countryside Team continues to monitor and manage OPM on public land, including spraying high risk areas to limit the spread and putting up signs around affected trees to keep people safe. However, due to the scale of the issue, the team is unable to treat trees on private property and can only take action on council-owned land. 

We’re pleased to share that the Forestry Commission has introduced a grant to support the cost of spraying oak trees on private land in the spring, as part of the government’s wider OPM control programme. Spraying will be arranged and carried out by Forestry Commission control contractors. 

This funding is available to local authorities and to residents with 4 or fewer oak trees located within the OPM Established Area. 

You can check whether your property falls within the Established Area by viewing the latest OPM distribution map and apply using the private residents’ online application.  

The deadline to apply is 30 January 2026 at 5pm.