Ash Dieback Replanting Scheme

The Ash Dieback replanting scheme provides financial support to help replant forests affected by the chalara ash fungus. The disease can affect ash trees of any age and in any setting.

All grant-aided private forest owners are eligible to apply for the scheme. You must be over 18 years of age and hold a Personal Public Service Number to apply. Companies must provide their company registration details.

You must be the owner, leaseholder or joint manager of the land at the time of the application. See the terms of the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) for limited exceptions.

The scheme helps forest owners to:

• restore forests affected by ash disease by supporting the removal and destruction of trees and leaf litter affected
• replant forests with an alternative species to ash
• ensure all leaf litter is adequately destroyed

The following is eligible for grant aid:

• removal and destruction of trees and leaf litter affected by the fungus (chalara fraxinea)
• replacement plants
• planting
• ground preparation (if applicable)
• vegetation control (1 – 4 years, if applicable)
• shaping

Other steps may be approved upon application. Support is only granted for the reconstitution of forests established under one of the following schemes:

• Afforestation Grant Schemes
• Native Woodland (Establishment) Scheme
• NeighbourWood Scheme
• Forest Environment Protection Scheme

The scheme funds up to 100% of costs and there is no fencing allowance. The reconstitution grant is paid in 3 instalments as follows:

The second instalment is paid 4 years after the completion date of the reconstitution of the plantation. The maximum grant payable for the first and second instalments is determined by the species planted as described in the Grant and Premium Category of the Afforestation Grant Scheme.

Applications for approval must be made through a Registered Forester to: