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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. The Land Information Search (LIS) will show whether a felling licence has been obtained for the area being felled. Contact the local Forestry Commission office to report any suspected unlicenced felling. Use the Contact Us button in the banner above to send us an e-mail or to find out the address of your nearest office. Penalties If there is no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, all parties involved 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.
Ensure that a valid felling licence has been granted. Contact the Forestry Commission if there is any doubt about whether a licence is required.
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