The Forestry Commission’s National Enforcement Team have announced that a landowner has pleaded guilty to illegal felling and subsequently failing to replant trees. The defendant is still required to replant trees at the site, as was the initial requirement, and has been ordered by the court to pay a fine and costs, amounting to £1,030. 

Failing to replant 

The license that was issued in 2015 required the landowner to restock the area with trees by June 2019 after harvesting timber, but the landowner failed to comply. This resulted in an Enforcement Notice being issued – under the Forestry Act 1967 – where the landowner was ordered to replant trees in the area by June 2022. Subsequent inspections and investigations by the Forestry Commission found that no replanting had taken place. 

The Forestry Commission engaged with the landowner to encourage replanting to help them avoid fines or a prosecution, but replanting still failed to take place. This led to the Forestry Commision referring the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, leading to the recent conviction. 

Even after the guilty plea and the fines and costs – totalling £1,030 – the defendant is still required to comply with the Court Restocking Order and replant trees on the land which was felled. If the defendant fails to comply, further action can be taken as they can be found in contempt of court. This can lead to further costs and fines or even a custodial sentence. 

Encouraging compliance 

The Forestry Commission’s work and recent success in penalising illegal felling is essential for our woodlands to stay protected. The vigilance of the investigation and the steadfast requirement for the illegally felled land to be replanted encourages best practices and ensures landowners across the UK to comply with the relevant legislation. 

Woodsure supports the Forestry Commission’s investigation and the current outcome, and it is positive to see forestry-related crime effectively tackled. Illegal felling endangers the sustainability of our forests and sets a poor precedent for others. Enforcement action, such as in this instance, is an effective measure to encourage compliance – supporting local foresters and protecting our environment. 

Seeing the legislative powers granted to the courts following amendments to the Forestry Act 1967 ensures our forests are protected and only the best practices are encouraged across industry. 

Find out more about the prosecution on the GOV.UK press release.