Farm Woodlands: Information Note – Obtaining Permission to Fell Trees

Farm Woodlands: Information Note – Obtaining Permission to Fell Trees

The felling of trees is regulated by Scottish Forestry through the issuing of Felling Permissions (formerly Felling Licences). Felling includes coppicing, thinning, selective felling, clear-felling and clearing wind blow. This is part of Scottish Forestry’s duty to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that forest cover is maintained.

Under the Forestry & Land Management Act 2018. it is an offence to fell growing trees without first obtaining a felling permission. Penalties of up to £5,000 per tree and a criminal charge may result from illegal felling.  It is therefore important to apply for a felling permission well in advance of starting any harvesting work.