Applying for a licence

 

The Forestry Commission controls tree felling by issuing licences. The application process is outlined below. 

• 1.  Who can apply for a licence?
  Anyone can apply for a felling licence but it must be issued in the name of the owner or lessee of the property.  Lessees must ensure that their lease entitles them to fell trees.
  In some circumstances, we will issue a licence to someone who is not the owner or lessee but has sufficient legal interest in the land. This means they must be able to fell the trees without the need to get permission from anyone else.  
  
  
• 2.  Check for land designations
  Use the Land Information Search (LIS), available on country websites, to identify any land designations that may affect the felling licence application.
  
  
• 3.  Forestry Commission considers the application under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations 1999
  The Forestry Commission will consider applications to fell trees to convert the land to another land use under these regulations.  Applicants may have to apply separately for consent to carry out the work.
  
  
• 4.   Apply for a licence
  
  
  • Complete an application form (application forms are available in pdf format - see below) 
  • Send a completed application form to the Forestry Commission
  • Use the Contact Us button in the top banner to get the address of the nearest Forestry Commission office or to use e-mail  
  • Two signed and dated copies of a map showing the boundary of the proposals must be sent with the application

  OR

•  5.  Apply to fell the trees as part of a grant scheme application
  A separate felling licence application is not required.
  
  
• 6.   The Forestry Commission deals with the application
  • An acknowledgement will be sent within three days
  • A site visit will be set up within three weeks, if required
  • Details of the application will be placed on the Register of New Planting and Felling (unless it is for thinning only)
  • Application details will remain on the Register for four weeks
  • Local authorities and other organisations may also be consulted
    

  Note:  A felling licence cannot be issued until after the Register period expires.

• 7.  Conditions on a licence
  Conditions will normally be included on the licence to:
  
  • Restock the area with trees; and
  • Maintain these trees for a period not exceeding ten years.

Felling licence applicants must agree to these conditions.  The Government has a general policy against not restocking woodland after felling, so that it can be used for other purposes.  Licences to thin woodlands are granted unconditionally (without the need to restock).

Selling land with a felling licence
A felling licence applies to the land, regardless of who owns the land. This means that the permission and conditions remain in force after the land is sold.  Those who sell land with a felling licence must advise the Forestry Commission and advise the purchaser accordingly.

• Conditional licences apply even if the land is sold.
  
• Check for Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Areas as the presence of these will affect the way that the licence is processed.
  
• Contact the relevant organisation for advice if felling is intended on or near an SSSI or Scheduled Ancient Monument.
  
• Movement of timber may require a Plant Passport under Plant Health legislation.

Tree Felling - Getting Permission  (1748k - pdf)
Charter standard statement for felling licensing  (201k - pdf)
Felling licence application forms :
England  (86k - pdf)
Scotland  (86k - pdf)
Wales  (80k - pdf)