Managing storm damaged trees

In Scotland, you must obtain a felling permission or exemption to remove windblown trees. 

Exempt trees might include trees that are dangerous or pose a risk to infrastructure. If you apply for felling permission, you are usually required to replace the trees you remove. 

You might also need permission from other agencies such as:

• Local authorities - if there are Tree preservation orders or you need to fell near roads
• NatureScot - if licenses are needed for work than may disturb wildlife and protected species
• Historic Environment Scotland - if felling might affect historic sites

Felling permission for windblow

Landowners are responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people on their land, whether they are:

• working there
• walking across it 
• otherwise visiting

Landowners and farmers should engage experienced professionals with the relevant training to assess and clear windthrow. This is true whatever the severity or size of the area involved.  

The Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA): Managing Health and Safety in Forestry guidance explains the responsibilities of landowners and others involved in forestry operations.

Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) (external website)

The UK Forest Research agency maps major windthrow via satellite observation.

Understanding the extent and distribution of windblow damage is critical to effective management.

You should assess the affected areas from a safe vantage point or consider a drone survey to provide a greater level of accuracy on the scale and location of the impact.  

Deal first with those trees that present the greatest hazard.

A priority will be creating safe access for those clearing trees and repairing and/or securing fences for stock.

Reopening public access for amenity and recreation may be a pressure point, but this cannot be at the expense of safety.

Restocking

There will normally be a condition to replant the woodland area. We recommend you read felling permissions for windblow for further details.

Felling permission for wind blow

The application for permission or license should be accompanied by mapped information on the:

• location of the area being harvested or cleared
• type of restocking
• species of tree to be used for restocking
• restocking density or the number of trees to be replanted in the felling area

The UK Forest Standard (5th edition) sets out the issues to consider when restocking harvested areas

UK Forestry Standard (5th edition)

Grant support is available for areas restocked under a Forest Management Plan.

Available funding and support

The Farm Advisory Service provides some advice on restocking.

Woodland restocking (Farm Advisory Service website)

Transporting your timber

Regional timber transport groups work closely with local authorities to manage timber traffic on public roads.

Loading timber onto lorries directly from the public road is not advised because it can be dangerous to other road users.

This should only be undertaken as a last resort and you must contact the local authority before starting to see if traffic management and other permissions are needed.

New or improved accesses onto the public road to reach windthrown stands will also require relevant permissions and/or planning consent.

You may want to employ a professional forest manager to oversee operations. They can ensure all work is carried out safely and help you to:

• ensure you've the required licenses and permission
• secure a market, harvesting contractors and haulage
• consider whether certification is appropriate to help you access markets
• plan how you'll restock the harvested area