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DEAR SIR
I own a small plantation which is 16 years old, some of which is planted in ash.
This year, the part planted in ash was hit with ash dieback disease and is now only fit for firewood.
I now find that the reconstitution grant on offer is totally inadequate.
Compensation issue
No compensation for the 16 years’ lost growth and no compensation for loss of earnings as the trees would be coming of age to produce income through thinning.
The premium on the replacement to the ash would cease at the same time as the original, leaving no income from it for at least another 16 years.
Government
As the fault lies with the government of the day, which imported diseased seeds and saplings into this country, this should be enough to render the original contract null and void.
A new reconstitution scheme should be drawn up by Government with a new 15-year premium and anyone who wants to withdraw from the scheme to be allowed to do so without penalties.
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