To help protect Scotland's forests, a felling licence from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is required to fell trees. It is an offence to fell without a licence, unless an exemption applies.
The quick guide to felling licences
Step 1. Check for any exemptions
- The exemptions section will help you judge whether the felling you plan to carry out is exempt from a licence.
- If none of the exemptions apply then you must apply for a felling licence.
- If you are exempt then felling can proceed, however, always check by contacting Forestry Commission Scotland if you think that you do not need a licence as there can be penalties for felling without one.
Step 2. Check for restrictions in place in the proposed felling area
Use the Land Information Search to see if there is anything about the proposed felling area that you need to take into account, such as Special Protection Areas.
Step 3. Check for local planning controls
- Consult the local planning authorities to see if they have legal controls in place in the proposed felling area, such as Tree Preservation Orders, or trees within a conservation area.
- Controls may also exist that apply to the movement of timber. If in doubt, check with FCS Plant Health Service (Tel: 0131 314 6414).
- For details of other controls that can apply to felling, see other legal felling controls.
Step 4. Complete a felling licence application
- Complete the Felling licence (Scotland) application form (PDF 88k) form and attach two signed and dated maps showing the boundary of the proposed area. For full details of the process, see applying for a felling licence.
- See also: The booklet Tree Felling - Getting Permission (1.8 Mb) which summarises the relevant information on getting permission to fell.
