The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) was launched in June this year, following a review of the policy approach and associated support schemes while considering the move away from Ash Dieback eradication and bringing ash plantation management into focus. The review included careful consideration of stakeholder submissions as well as meetings with representative bodies of the forestry sector. The revised approach categorises plantations into three groups based on the plantation age and tree size. Different support options are available depending on the category into which the ash plantation may fall.
The objectives of the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) scheme are to encourage the active management of ash plantations in the context of the control and spread of ash dieback disease. The scheme also aims to promote the vigorous growth of ash through thinning to realise as much of the potential value of the crop as possible and where appropriate in young plantations and in cases of high disease infection, to support the removal of the affected ash crop and replacement with alternative species.
Where the reconstitution option is selected the full establishment grant for the planting type chosen is available along with a site clearance grant. However, premiums restart from the last premium paid and there are no plans to change the scheme rules to allow for premiums to restart at year one. These supports are available after replanting is completed. The underplanting and Woodland Improvement Option is also available and grants are payable following completion of works.
The option of Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) is also available which consists of three separate interventions 4 years apart. CCF may only be an option when included as part of a wider CCF management regime or where the infection levels are very low.
