Appeal against felling permission or enforcement decision

Please note that if you are asking for a decision to be changed or amended (rather than appealing against it), you should follow the variation request process.
 

Before you start: do you need an appeal or a variation request?

Before completing this form, you must decide whether you want to:

• appeal a decision
• request a variation to an existing decision

An appeal and a variation request are different processes.

Using the wrong one may delay your application or result in it being returned.

You should submit an appeal if you believe Scottish Forestry has made the wrong decision under the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018.

For example, you may wish to appeal if you believe that:

• the decision is not supported by evidence
• the law or official guidance has been applied incorrectly
• relevant information was not properly considered
• the decision is unreasonable or disproportionate

An appeal asks for the decision to be reviewed and potentially overturned or amended.

You should submit a variation request if you are not challenging the decision itself, but want it to be changed or updated.

For example, a variation request may be appropriate if you need:

• changes to timings or operational conditions
• small adjustments to an approved felling or restocking scheme
• updates due to new site circumstances or practical constraints

A variation request does not challenge whether the original decision was right.

Making changes to approved felling permissions

1. Check your deadline

   You must submit your appeal within 40 working days of the decision date. Appeals received after this deadline cannot normally be accepted.

2. Read the appeal guidance

   Read the appeal notes carefully before completing the form. These explain:

   • what information you need to provide
   • what grounds can be considered

   • how appeals are assessed

     Read our appeal notes for appellants

3. Complete the appeals form

   Use the appeals form to clearly explain:

   • which decision you are appealing
   • why you believe the decision is wrong

   • which facts, evidence, or guidance support your appeal 

     Complete the appeals form

4. Submit supporting information Include any documents, plans, or correspondence that support your appeal.

   Clearly label all attachments.

5. What happens next

   Scottish Forestry will review your appeal in line with the statutory appeals process.

   You will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Your appeal may be delayed or rejected if:

• it is submitted after the 40-working-day deadline
• it is asking for a change rather than challenging the decision
• it does not explain why the decision is believed to be wrong
• insufficient information or evidence is provided