Ash Dieback Felling Licences: Forestry Commission Process

Ash dieback disease has become one of the most significant threats to British woodlands, affecting millions of ash trees across the UK. As property owners and land managers grapple with infected trees, understanding the Forestry Commission’s felling licence requirements has become crucial. This comprehensive guide explores the process of obtaining felling licences for diseased ash trees, helping you navigate the regulatory framework whilst ensuring compliance with UK forestry law.

Understanding Ash Dieback Disease

Ash dieback, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, was first confirmed in the UK in 2012 and has since spread rapidly across the country. The disease affects ash trees of all ages, causing leaf loss, crown dieback, and ultimately tree death in most cases.

Key symptoms include:

• Wilting and blackening of leaves
• Diamond-shaped lesions on bark
• Dieback of shoots, twigs, and branches
• Epicormic growth (shoots from the trunk)
• Loss of leaves in the crown

The disease poses significant safety risks, particularly in urban areas and along roadsides, as infected trees become structurally unstable. Areas particularly affected include Kent, East Anglia, Yorkshire, and increasingly, regions across Scotland and Wales.

When You Need a Felling Licence

Under the Forestry Act 1967, anyone wishing to fell trees in England must obtain a felling licence from the Forestry Commission, with some important exceptions. Understanding when a licence is required can save property owners from substantial fines of up to £2,500 or twice the value of the trees, whichever is greater.

Licence Requirements

A felling licence is typically required when:

• Felling more than 5 cubic metres of timber per calendar quarter
• Selling more than 2 cubic metres of timber per calendar quarter
• Trees are located in designated areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
• Trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or located in Conservation Areas

Exemptions

You don’t need a licence for:

• Trees in gardens, orchards, churchyards, or public open spaces
• Trees with a diameter less than 8cm at 1.3m height
• Lopping, topping, or pruning
• Felling for immediate danger prevention
• Trees dead or dangerous (though evidence may be required)

The Forestry Commission Application Process

Obtaining a felling licence for ash dieback-affected trees involves several steps, typically taking 12-16 weeks from application to approval. The Forestry Commission has streamlined the process for ash dieback cases, recognising the urgency of the situation.

Step 1: Pre-Application Assessment

Before applying, conduct a thorough assessment of your ash trees. Consider hiring a qualified arboricultural consultant, typically costing £300-£600 per day, to:

• Identify and map affected trees
• Assess the severity of infection
• Document evidence with photographs
• Estimate timber volumes
• Identify any protected species or habitats

Step 2: Online Application

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

• Landowner details and proof of ownership
• Ordnance Survey grid references
• Maps showing tree locations
• Estimated timber volumes
• Proposed felling dates
• Replanting proposals (if applicable)

Step 3: Supporting Documentation

For ash dieback cases, include:

• Photographic evidence of disease symptoms
• Arboricultural reports (if available)
• Health and safety risk assessments
• Environmental impact considerations

Special Considerations for Diseased Trees

The Forestry Commission recognises the unique challenges posed by ash dieback and has implemented specific measures to facilitate the management of diseased trees.

Expedited Processing

Applications citing ash dieback as the primary reason for felling often receive priority processing, particularly where public safety is concerned. Areas near schools, roads, and public footpaths in regions like the Chilterns, Peak District, and Lake District have seen accelerated approvals.

Conditional Approvals

The Commission may grant conditional licences requiring:

• Phased felling to minimise environmental impact
• Retention of standing deadwood where safe
• Protection of nesting birds during breeding season (March to August)
• Replanting with alternative species

Biosecurity Measures

Licence conditions typically include biosecurity requirements:

• Cleaning tools and equipment between sites
• Proper disposal of infected material
• Movement restrictions on timber from infected areas
• Compliance with Plant Health Orders

Costs and Financial Support

Managing ash dieback can be expensive, with costs varying significantly based on location and tree size.

Typical Costs

• Felling licence application: Free
• Tree surgeon day rates: £350-£550
• Large tree removal: £800-£2,500 per tree
• Stump grinding: £60-£350 per stump
• Timber disposal: £50-£150 per tonne
• Replanting: £2-£15 per sapling

Available Grants

Several funding streams support ash dieback management:

• Countryside Stewardship: Woodland Improvement grants up to £1,800 per hectare
• Tree Health Pilot Scheme: Regional funding in specific areas
• Local Authority grants: Variable support from councils like Devon, Norfolk, and Cumbria
• Woodland Trust funding: Support for ancient woodland restoration

Working with Professionals

Given the complexity of regulations and safety concerns, engaging qualified professionals is strongly recommended.

Choosing a Tree Surgeon

Select contractors who are:

• Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors
• Fully insured (minimum £5 million public liability)
• Experienced in ash dieback management
• Familiar with Forestry Commission requirements
• Based locally to reduce transport costs

Consultant Arboriculturists

For larger projects or complex sites, consultant arboriculturists provide:

• Disease diagnosis and mapping
• Licence application support
• Management plan development
• Ecological survey coordination
• Post-felling restoration advice

Environmental and Legal Responsibilities

Landowners must balance tree disease management with environmental protection and legal compliance.

Protected Species

Before felling, check for:

• Bat roosts (all UK bat species are protected)
• Nesting birds (protected during breeding season)
• Red squirrel dreys (in relevant regions)
• Dormouse habitats (in southern England and Wales)

Environmental Impact

Consider the broader ecological implications:

• Habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors
• Soil erosion on slopes
• Water course protection
• Landscape character preservation
• Carbon sequestration loss

Future Management and Replanting

Post-felling management is crucial for woodland recovery and compliance with licence conditions.

Alternative Species Selection

The Forestry Commission recommends diverse replanting with:

• Native broadleaves: Oak, beech, birch, rowan
• Disease-resistant alternatives: Wild cherry, field maple, hornbeam
• Climate-resilient species: Sweet chestnut, small-leaved lime
• Natural regeneration where appropriate

Long-term Monitoring

Establish a monitoring programme including:

• Annual health assessments of remaining ash trees
• Survival rates of replanted stock
• Natural regeneration success
• Ongoing biosecurity measures
• Adaptive management strategies

Conclusion

Navigating the felling licence process for ash dieback-affected trees requires careful planning, regulatory compliance, and often professional assistance. Whilst the Forestry Commission has streamlined procedures for disease management, landowners must still balance urgent safety concerns with environmental responsibilities and legal requirements. By understanding the process, engaging qualified professionals, and accessing available support, property owners can effectively manage diseased ash trees whilst contributing to the long-term health of UK woodlands. As ash dieback continues to spread, staying informed about evolving regulations and best practices remains essential for responsible woodland management.