Tree felling in England
Everything you need to understand tree felling, when you need permission and how to get it.
Tree felling overview
An introduction to tree felling, felling considerations and the permission needed to fell trees in England.
Tree felling licences
Find out when you need a felling licence, what exemptions apply, and how you get permission to fell trees.
Managing woodland sustainably
All tree felling should be carried out in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), which sets out the government’s requirements for sustainable forestry practice. Typically, felling licences include restocking conditions. Woodland management plans provide you with a structured framework to plan felling and other activities as part of sustainable woodland management.
Understanding constraints and considerations
Before planning any felling, it’s important to understand the environmental and regulatory constraints on your land. The Land Information Search and MAGIC maps help you view relevant data layers and identify designations that may affect your woodland management.
Felling under certain circumstances
Felling on certain sites or in specific circumstances may require engagement and additional permissions with relevant authorities. This guidance covers requirements relating to protected sites, wildlife licences, Tree Preservation Orders and particular species such as ash, larch and spruce.
Requesting a change in permissions or conditions
How to request alternative felling permissions and/or restocking conditions on an approved felling licence from the Forestry Commission.
Illegal felling
Felling trees without a licence when one is required is an offence. Find out how to report suspected illegal felling and what could happen if trees are cut down without a licence.