Apply for a felling licence
Find out how to apply for a tree felling licence.
Applies to England
You’ll need a felling licence if you plan to fell any growing trees on land in England, unless exemptions apply. Felling licences ensure sustainable harvesting, regulatory compliance and environmental protection.
If you’re applying for a felling licence before October 2026, you can register your interest to join the live testing of our new apply for a felling licence service.
If selected to participate, your application will be processed as normal within standard timelines and, if approved, will result in a legally enforceable felling licence.
Before you begin, read our guidance on:
What you need to apply
You can apply for a felling licence if you have an interest in the land where tree felling is planned or if you have the authority to carry out tree felling activities. Applying for a licence is free.
To apply, you will need to:
- provide details of the trees you want to fell, including species and number
- provide an outline of the felling work type and proposed restocking where required
- identify and map the areas of the proposed felling and restocking
Mapping of the felling and restocking areas can be completed manually on the system, or by uploading spatial data within apply for a tree felling licence. Read how to create and submit compartment maps and spatial data.
If you are an agent acting on behalf of an applicant, you will need to supply a completed agent authority form.
How long it takes
We aim to give a decision within 3 months. We will inform you if we need more time to process your application and agree an extension with you. You’ll receive a decision once all checks and consultations are complete.
Apply online
Before you apply make sure:
- you have permission and sufficient control or assurance from the landowner (if you are not the owner) that any conditions will be met
- your proposed felling aligns with legal requirements and UK Forestry Standard
- you engage with neighbours and other organisations with interest in the land to make them aware of your tree felling plans
You’ll need to sign in or create an account to use the service.
On the next page, you’ll choose whether to sign in or create an account.
Other ways to apply
If you cannot apply online, you can request a paper application. Contact the operational delivery team.
Licencing periods
Licences can be issued for:
- up to 5 years as a standalone licence
- up to 10 years if associated with an approved woodland management plan
Felling licences cannot be extended or amended. If you wish to continue felling trees after the licence has expired, you will need to apply for a new licence.
Once you’ve received a felling licence
Requesting alternate licence permissions or conditions
You cannot amend or withdraw a felling licence once it has been issued. Once felling has started, you must comply with any restocking conditions set out in the licence.
In limited circumstances, you may be able to agree alternative felling permissions or conditions. Read the guidance on how to request to change permissions or conditions on your felling licence.
Selling your land
When you sell land that has an active felling licence, the licence automatically transfers to the new owner. This means the new owner can use any remaining felling permissions and must comply with the restocking conditions, outlined in the licence.
Enforcement of licence conditions
You can face enforcement action if you do not comply with your felling licence conditions. The Forestry Commission can serve an enforcement notice on whoever owns the land at the time non-compliance with felling licence conditions is identified.
An enforcement notice requires you to comply with the felling licence conditions. Not complying with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and you can be prosecuted.
You may receive an enforcement notice even if:
- a previous owner did the felling work
- you were not responsible for the original non-compliance
If you sell the land, any future owners may also be served with an enforcement notice for the same non-compliance issues.
Read the Forestry Commission enforcement policy.
Timber regulations
Timber supply chains are regulated to ensure harvesting practices are legal, encourage sustainable harvesting practices and support global forest governance. Businesses trading in timber and timber products should read: Timber regulations and Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade licences.
How to appeal our decision
If you are unhappy with the decision of your application or conditions of your licence after discussing it with your local Woodland Officer you can appeal against a decision by the Forestry Commission.
Contact us
If you have a felling licence query, please read Tree felling: getting permission.
If you need more information on whether you require a licence, contact your nearest Forestry Commission area office.
If you require service support while applying for a felling licence, email fellinglicenceonline@forestrycommission.gov.uk.