Felling for land use change

Home Felling trees

It does not include felling that is part of redesigning existing woodlands to meet the UK Forestry Standard.

Why Woodland Removal Matters

In Scotland, housing, wind-farm developments, and other human activities, combined with the effects of climate change, have contributed to extensive woodland loss.

To protect and expand Scotland’s forests and woodland resources, preventing inappropriate woodland removal is essential.

Legal Requirement

It is an offence to fell trees without permission from Scottish Forestry unless an exemption applies.

Before carrying out any non‑exempt felling, you must obtain either a:

Felling Permission
Felling Direction

Find out how to apply for a Felling Permission

Policy on the control of woodland removal

The Scottish Government’s policy on woodland removal sets out the decision making framework for when woodland may be permitted to be permanently removed.

Additional implementation guidance explains how consenting authorities and applicants should apply the policy.

Policy on Control of Woodland Removal Scottish Government’s policy on control of woodland removal: implementation guidance

Who is this information for?

landowners
developers
planning authorities
forestry agents
peatland restoration practitioners

Forestry Environmental Impact Assessment

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required for projects involving permanent woodland removal.

An EIA identifies potential environmental effects and ensures they are properly considered before approval is given.

You should contact your local Scottish Forestry Conservancy office early in your project planning if you think an EIA might be needed.

Contact your local Scottish Forestry office

Guidance for planning authorities

Scottish Forestry provides guidance for planning authorities to help them:

prepare forestry and woodland strategies to guide future woodland expansion
integrate forestry considerations into development planning and management

The right tree in the right place: Planning for forestry and woodlands

Woodland removal for peatland restoration

Peatland restoration projects sometimes involve tree removal. Specific guidance explains what is required, what evidence is needed, and how to plan felling associated with restoration work.

Woodland Removal for Peatland Restoration

Next Steps and Support

Before undertaking any woodland removal or land-use change:

check if you need Felling Permission
consider whether an EIA may be required
contact your local Scottish Forestry office for advice