How to apply to fell trees

Home Felling trees Apply to fell trees

Unless exempt, you need to submit an application for a felling permission with us before you can fell trees.

We recommend that you read our guidance on how to apply before submitting an application, to find out:

what type of felling permission you might need
information on exemptions
what's needed for an application
how your application is handled
information on enforcement and appeals

You can also get permission to fell trees through the approval of Long Term Forest Plans (LTFP) and Land Management Plans (LMP).

Check forest plan resources

What form of felling permission do I need?

There are three forms of felling permission that can be obtained from Scottish Forestry:

A stand alone felling permission application
This tends to be for smaller-scale or one-off jobs.
It is usually issued for a year or two. It requires restocking and maintaining the felled area until it is fully established as woodland again.
FPAs are usually processed within 12 weeks of receiving a valid application.
An approved Long Term Forest Plan (LTFP)
The Forestry Grant Scheme offers support to help prepare these plans for woodlands over 100-hectares.
This involves an in-depth scoping exercise. This will identify and address all constraints and opportunities related to the forest. The goal is to restructure it to meet the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS).
It should take 6 months to a year to complete. It provides felling permission and restocking conditions for the first 10 years of the plan.
Long-term Forest Plan (LTFP)
Management plans
This is for woodlands under 100ha or Woodlands in and Around Town (WIAT) Urban Woodland Management Plans. Of these, only WIAT plans are grant-funded.
Management Plans are a lighter touch than Long Term Forest Plans. They only provide felling permission for thinning for up to 10 years. This is, if suitable details on the thinning controls are provided.
Forest Management Plans

Important: Proposed clear felling

Any clear felling proposed would needs a felling permission application.

What you need to consider when applying

1. Is your felling exempt?

Our exemptions guidance will help you judge if your felling is exempt.

If no exemptions apply, you must apply for felling permission. If you're exempt, you can fell the trees.

Check felling permission exemptions for utilities and infrastructure

2. You will need to check local restrictions

Use our Land Information Search to see if the area has restrictions such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

Be aware of protected species such as badgers and squirrels. It's your responsibility to ensure your felling operations do not break any laws or requirements.

Check local restrictions on Land Information Search

3. You should also check local planning controls

Consult the planning department at your local authority to see if legal controls exist in the area such as Tree Preservations Orders (TPOs).

Plant health controls may exist that apply to timber movement. If in doubt, email the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service.

Contact the Plant Health Team (Forestry Commission website)

When considering timber transport, use Agreed Routes Maps (ARMs). Visit the Timber Transport Forum for more information.

Visit the Timber Transport Forum (Timber Transport Forum website)

4. Complete your application

Speak with all relevant stakeholders to ensure any restrictions are addressed early. You may wish to refer to the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor) guidance note.

Stakeholder engagement guidance note 2015 (Confor website)

Complete the standalone felling permission application form:

Felling permission application form (Word)

Felling permission application form (PDF)

Submit a mandate form with your application if needed:

Mandate form (Word)

Mandate form (PDF)

Attach a map or maps showing the boundary of the suggested felling and restocking area.

You will need to ensure required mapping standards are met.

Required mapping standards