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Penalties
Felling without a licence is an offence. Everyone involved in the felling of trees, the owner, agent, timber merchant or contractor, must ensure that a licence has been issued before any felling is carried out unless one of the exemptions apply. It is an offence to fell trees without a licence where one is required. If there is no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, anyone involved can be prosecuted. Contact the local Forestry Commission office to report any suspected unlicenced felling. Use the Contact Us button in the top banner to get the address of the nearest office or to use e-mail. The Land Information Search (LIS), available on each country's website, will show whether a felling licence has been obtained for the area being felled. Penalties On conviction, a fine of up to £2,500 or twice the value of the trees, whichever is the higher.
When an owner or tenant is convicted of an illegal felling the Forestry Commission can serve a Restocking Notice to restock the land concerned, or any other land as may be agreed.
The owner or tenant must also 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 you take action to meet the conditions.
It is an offence not to obey an Enforcement Notice and can mean a possible fine of up to £5,000.
Ensure that a valid felling licence has been granted. Contact the Forestry Commission if there is any doubt about whether a licence is required. 
- It is illegal to fell trees without a licence where one would have been required
Tree Felling - Getting Permission (1748k - pdf)
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What's of interest
Do not fell trees unless you have the necessary permission.
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