Ash Dieback Felling Licences: Forestry Commission Process

Ash dieback disease has emerged as one of the most significant threats to UK woodlands in recent decades, affecting millions of ash trees across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This devastating fungal disease, caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, has prompted urgent action from landowners, local authorities, and tree management professionals. If you’re dealing with infected ash trees on your property, understanding the Forestry Commission’s felling licence process is crucial for legal compliance and effective disease management. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps, requirements, and considerations for obtaining ash dieback felling licences in the UK.

Understanding Ash Dieback and Its Impact on UK Forests

Ash dieback, first confirmed in the UK in 2012, has rapidly spread throughout the country, threatening the estimated 150 million ash trees that make up approximately 15% of Britain’s broadleaf woodlands. The disease causes leaf loss, crown dieback, and ultimately tree death, with mortality rates reaching 85-95% in some areas.

The impact extends beyond ecological concerns:

• Public safety risks from weakened trees near roads, footpaths, and buildings
• Economic losses for timber industries and landowners
• Biodiversity threats to over 1,000 species that depend on ash trees
• Landscape changes affecting rural and urban environments

Regions particularly affected include Kent, East Anglia, the Midlands, and parts of Scotland, though the disease continues spreading westward. The Forestry Commission estimates that managing ash dieback could cost the UK economy £15 billion over the coming decades, making proper management through controlled felling essential.

When You Need a Felling Licence for Ash Dieback

Not all ash tree removal requires a felling licence, but understanding when you need one is vital to avoid penalties of up to £2,500 or prosecution. The Forestry Commission requires licences for felling more than 5 cubic metres of timber per calendar quarter, unless specific exemptions apply.

Exemptions from Felling Licence Requirements

• Trees in gardens, churchyards, or public open spaces
• Felling less than 5 cubic metres per quarter (approximately 2-3 mature trees)
• Trees posing immediate danger (though evidence must be retained)
• Trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order or in Conservation Areas (different permissions apply)
• Fruit trees or trees grown for Christmas decorations

However, even with these exemptions, local planning authorities may require separate permissions, particularly in Conservation Areas or for protected trees. Always check with your local council before proceeding with any tree removal.

The Forestry Commission Application Process

Applying for an ash dieback felling licence involves several steps, typically taking 3-4 months from application to approval. The Forestry Commission has streamlined the process for ash dieback cases, recognising the urgency of managing infected trees.

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

• Confirm ash dieback presence through visual assessment or professional diagnosis
• Map affected trees using OS grid references
• Calculate timber volume (professional assessment recommended)
• Consider restocking requirements and species selection
• Check for environmental designations (SSSIs, Ancient Woodland)

Step 2: Online Application Submission

Applications are submitted through the Forestry Commission’s online portal. Required information includes:

• Landowner details and agent authorisation (if applicable)
• Site location with accurate mapping
• Number and volume of trees to be felled
• Reason for felling (ash dieback disease management)
• Proposed restocking plans
• Environmental impact considerations

Step 3: Assessment and Site Visit

Forestry Commission officers may conduct site visits, particularly for larger operations or sensitive locations. They assess disease severity, environmental impacts, and public safety considerations. During peak periods, virtual assessments using photographs and videos may expedite the process.

Costs and Timescales for Licence Applications

The Forestry Commission doesn’t charge for standard felling licence applications, making the process accessible to all landowners. However, associated costs include:

• Professional tree survey: £300-£800 depending on site size
• Ecological assessments: £500-£2,000 for protected species surveys
• Tree removal costs: £400-£1,200 per large tree
• Stump grinding: £60-£350 per stump
• Restocking costs: £2,000-£5,000 per hectare

Processing times vary by region and application complexity:

• Standard applications: 12-16 weeks
• Expedited ash dieback cases: 6-10 weeks
• Complex or contentious cases: 4-6 months
• Emergency dangerous tree notifications: Immediate action allowed

Applications in high-priority areas like the Lake District, New Forest, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may require additional consultation, extending timescales.

Special Considerations for Different Property Types

Different property types face unique challenges when managing ash dieback and obtaining felling licences.

Private Estates and Woodland

Large landowners in counties like Yorkshire, Devon, and Cumbria often manage extensive ash populations. The Forestry Commission offers woodland management grants through the Countryside Stewardship scheme, providing up to £200 per hectare for ash dieback management. Estate managers should consider phased felling programmes to maintain landscape character whilst managing disease spread.

Urban and Suburban Properties

Urban areas like Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds face particular challenges with ash trees in parks, streets, and private gardens. Whilst garden trees don’t require Forestry Commission licences, local authority permissions may be needed. Professional arborists familiar with urban tree regulations are essential for navigating complex permission requirements.

Agricultural Land

Farmers with ash trees in hedgerows or field boundaries should coordinate with Natural England regarding Environmental Stewardship agreements. The NFU provides guidance on balancing agricultural needs with environmental obligations, particularly important in regions like Somerset and Lincolnshire where ash trees form significant hedgerow components.

Restocking Requirements and Alternative Species

Felling licences typically include restocking conditions to maintain woodland cover and biodiversity. The Forestry Commission requires replanting within two years of felling, though ash dieback cases may receive modified conditions.

Recommended Replacement Species

• Native broadleaves: Oak, beech, hornbeam, field maple
• Disease-resistant alternatives: Small-leaved lime, wild cherry, rowan
• Climate-resilient options: Sweet chestnut, sycamore, birch
• Specialist sites: Alder for wet areas, yew for chalk downs

The Forestry Commission’s £50 million Woodland Creation Fund supports restocking efforts, offering grants of £1,000-£6,800 per hectare depending on location and species selection. Priority areas include the Northern Forest zones across Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Working with Approved Contractors

Selecting qualified contractors ensures safe, legal, and efficient ash dieback management. Look for professionals with:

• Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status
• Forestry Contracting Association membership
• Public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
• Experience with ash dieback and biosecurity protocols
• Understanding of Forestry Commission requirements

Costs vary significantly across regions, with London and Southeast England typically 30-40% higher than Northern regions. Obtain multiple quotes and verify contractors’ experience with licence applications and compliance.

Biosecurity Measures

Contractors must implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease spread:

• Equipment disinfection between sites
• Appropriate disposal of infected material
• Movement restrictions during bird nesting season (March-August)
• Compliance with plant health notices

Conclusion

Managing ash dieback through the Forestry Commission’s felling licence process requires careful planning, patience, and often professional assistance. Whilst the administrative requirements may seem daunting, they ensure coordinated disease management whilst protecting our woodland heritage and biodiversity. Early action remains crucial—infected ash trees become increasingly dangerous as the disease progresses, potentially doubling removal costs and safety risks. Whether you’re managing a small copse in the Cotswolds or extensive woodland in the Scottish Borders, understanding the licence process enables effective, legal management of this devastating disease. Contact the Forestry Commission or qualified tree professionals for site-specific advice, and remember that proactive management today helps preserve Britain’s woodlands for future generations.