Retired farmer John Reardon, hailing from Caherconlish in Co. Limerick, has found himself facing what he describes as a “tree graveyard” as ash dieback continues to wreak havoc on his plantation that he established nearly three decades ago. Back in 1990, Reardon made the decision to plant an area spanning up to 20 acres adjacent to his farm, with around 20,000 ash plants taking root. The motivation behind this endeavor was primarily economic, as the land was not particularly suited for grazing or silage cutting. Despite the allure of spruce for its economic potential, soil tests revealed that this type of tree was not a viable option for the area.
Speaking with Agriland, Reardon recollected noticing the gradual disappearance of the canopy approximately five to six years ago. Initially, the plantation yielded some hurley butts, contributing to Reardon’s business plan. However, about three years back, the hurley maker deemed the butts unsuitable for hurlers due to staining on the inside. The situation has only worsened in recent times, with the canopy’s disappearance escalating over the past couple of years. While not all trees displayed visible lesions, foresters consulted by Reardon confirmed that ash dieback was indeed taking its toll on the plantation.
The current Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme, slated for the years 2023 to 2027, has left Reardon disillusioned, deeming it “unworkable.” The scheme offers forest owners affected by the disease a site clearance grant of €2,000 per hectare, along with replanting grant rates. The undergrowth that has proliferated in the wake of the disappearing canopy now stands at a height of up to two meters, presenting an ongoing challenge. Quotes obtained from contractors for clearing the site began at €5,000 per hectare, a figure that significantly surpasses the grant provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM), leaving Reardon facing a substantial shortfall ranging from €20,000 to €30,000.
In a candid conversation with Agriland, the retired farmer expressed his limited options, stating, “My option at the moment, if I don’t replant it, is to leave it as it is. It is effectively a tree graveyard and it will stay that way. I have no other option.” Reardon highlighted the need for the department to directly cover the cost of clearing the site with contractors or, alternatively, to increase the clearance grant to €7,000 per hectare. He also emphasized the importance of receiving the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) of €5,000 per hectare upfront, rather than in installments, and stressed the necessity of financial assistance to manage the encroaching undergrowth.
Amidst the challenges faced by Reardon and other affected forest owners, the devastating impact of ash dieback on plantations across the country underscores the urgent need for viable solutions and support mechanisms. As the battle against this destructive disease continues, the plight of individuals like John Reardon serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to navigate the complexities of forestry management in the face of adversity.
