Clear legal advice for felling, restocking and woodland management.
Forestry law is complex, and mistakes can lead to enforcement, prosecution and costly restocking. Our specialist lawyers help landowners, estate managers and developers understand their position and take the right next step.
Understanding Forestry Issues
Forestry law regulates the felling, management and protection of trees and woodland. Whether you own woodland, manage an estate, are planning a development or have been contacted by the Forestry Commission or Natural Resources Wales, understanding your legal obligations is essential.
Forestry legislation can be highly technical and mistakes can result in enforcement action, prosecution, Restocking Notices and significant financial consequences. Our specialist lawyers provide practical advice to help you navigate these issues with confidence.
How Tree Law Can Help
Our specialist forestry lawyers advise landowners, developers, businesses, local authorities and woodland managers on every aspect of forestry law. We combine legal expertise with an understanding of the practical realities of woodland management to deliver clear, pragmatic advice.
We Can Help If…
- You need advice on whether a felling licence is required.
- You wish to apply for a felling licence or understand the available exemptions.
- You have been contacted by the Forestry Commission or Natural Resources Wales.
- You are responding to a regulatory investigation or site inspection.
- You have received a Restocking Notice.
- You have received a Statutory Plant Health Notice.
- You are dealing with ash dieback, Phytophthora or other tree diseases.
- You are facing enforcement action or potential prosecution for alleged unlawful felling.
- You need advice on woodland management or forestry compliance.
- You are buying, selling or developing land containing woodland.
- You require strategic legal advice before carrying out forestry operations.
What our clients say
Why choose Tree Law?
Fees
Every forestry matter is different. Before beginning work, we will discuss your circumstances, explain the likely scope of our involvement and provide clear information about costs.
Hourly Rate
from £200 + VAT
Fixed fees can be agreed on request
We provide specialist advice on felling licences, exemptions, Restocking Notices, Statutory Plant Health Notices, regulatory investigations and alleged unlawful felling.
Get in touch for an initial discussion about your situation. We will explain how we can help and agree an appropriate fee structure before any work begins.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
A felling licence will generally be required before growing trees are felled unless a specific exemption applies. The position depends on the location, nature and volume of the proposed work, so it is important to check before felling begins.
Certain exemptions may apply, including some limited-volume felling and work involving trees in qualifying gardens. These exemptions have detailed conditions, and other controls may still apply, so you should not begin work without confirming your legal position.
Do not ignore the correspondence or provide a rushed response. Preserve relevant documents, photographs and records, avoid further work until the position is clear, and seek advice on the most appropriate way to respond.
Yes. We can examine the legal basis of the notice, gather evidence relating to the land and its historic use, and advise on any available challenge or appeal. It is important to act promptly because formal deadlines may apply.
Yes. Disease or safety concerns do not automatically remove the need for a felling licence. We can advise on possible exemptions, Statutory Plant Health Notices and any evidence or permissions required before work is carried out.
Yes. Forestry obligations can affect the use and value of land and may continue after ownership changes. We can investigate existing licences, restocking conditions, enforcement notices and other restrictions before a transaction or development proceeds.