What are the penalties for felling trees without a licence ?
• If there is no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, all parties involved, the owner, agent, timber merchant or contractor can be prosecuted. • On conviction, a fine of up to £2,500 or twice the value of the trees, whichever is the higher may be imposed • Whether or not a prosecution takes place, the Forestry Commission can serve a Restocking Notice to re-stock the land concerned or any other land as may be agreed. • The owner or tenant must maintain the replacement trees to acceptable standards for up to 10 years. • If the conditions of a Felling Licence or a Restocking Notice are not complied with, the Forestry Commission may issue an Enforcement Notice demanding action be taken to meet the conditions. • It is an offence not to obey an Enforcement Notice and can mean a fine of up to £5,000. Further Information: Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/protectedtreesguide Tr
