Felling permission for windblown trees

This page explains:

when you need felling permission to deal with windblown trees
how to check whether a legal exemption applies
how to apply for permission

It is intended for woodland owners and agents managing trees that have been damaged or blown over by storms.

It sets out what:

to check first
permissions may be required
information we need to assess applications quickly

Exemptions

Before you apply for felling permission, you should first check whether a legal exemption applies.

You may not need a felling permission if an exemption applies.

Check for Felling Exemptions

Exemptions - important

If you claim an exemption, the burden of proof lies with you.

We strongly advise that you:

take clear photographs of the situation
record decisions in your risk assessment and method statement
retain these records for at least three years

If you cannot clearly demonstrate that an exemption applies, you must not start felling and must apply for felling permission before any work begins.

When felling permission is required

You must have an approved felling permission to fell or clear windblown trees where no exemption applies.

Felling permission for windblown trees will normally include a requirement to restock the felled area unless otherwise approved.

If windblow occurs within an area covered by an existing long‑term forest plan and the area is not already approved for felling, an amendment to the plan may be required.

Who can apply

You must be:

the woodland owner
or a mandated agent acting on the owner’s behalf

Applying for felling permission

Unless exempt, you must submit a felling permission application and receive approval before any felling work begins.

When submitting your application, clearly state that it relates to windblow and request that it is fast‑tracked, where appropriate.

What to include in your application

To help us assess your application as quickly as possible, include:

clear photographs of the site
a clear map showing the full extent of the windblown area to be felled

Your map and photographs must also clearly identify any additional areas proposed for felling that are required to:

provide access
enable safe felling of windblown trees
establish a wind‑firm boundary

Restocking

Felling permission for windblown trees will normally include a restocking condition. Your restocking proposals must:

cover the entire felled area
consider the resilience of the future woodland to wind and other climate‑related risks

Restocking proposals may include:

areas of open ground
changes to tree species composition where appropriate

Apply for felling permission

Managing storm damaged trees

Storm damage can have significant impacts on woodland safety, operations and long‑term resilience.

Find out more about what to consider when:

assessing storm‑damaged woodland
carrying out harvesting safely
planning replacement woodland

Find out more about managing storm damaged trees