Landowner hit with England's biggest ever illegal tree felling fine

Farmers and rural landowners are being warned of the serious consequences of illegal tree felling after a record £268,751 fine was handed down in Leicestershire.

Motor Fuel Ltd was ordered to pay the sum following a Forestry Commission investigation, marking the highest fine ever imposed by a court in England for unlawful tree felling.

The case highlights the legal and financial risks facing landowners who fail to comply with felling regulations, particularly where land is being prepared for development or diversification projects.

The ruling was delivered at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 28 January 2026, where the company pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice. The notice followed the clearance of mixed broadleaf woodland next to a petrol station in 2019.

The trees had been felled ahead of plans to extend the site, in what was described as a pre-emptive move.

As part of the sentence, the company has also been ordered to replant the woodland and maintain the trees for 10 years. Failure to comply with the Court Restocking Order could result in further financial penalties or even a custodial sentence.

Such a significant penalty is rare, but reflects growing enforcement action to protect trees and woodlands, particularly as environmental rules tighten.

The Forestry Commission said the case should act as a clear warning to landowners.

Richard Pearce, Forestry Commission Area Director for the East and East Midlands, said: “Felling trees without a licence or failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice is unacceptable.”

He added: “This case demonstrates how seriously the Forestry Commission and the courts take the protection of trees, woodlands and forests, and the harm caused by illegal felling to the climate and nature”.

Under the Forestry Act 1967, most tree felling requires a licence, and landowners can be served with Restocking Notices requiring trees to be replanted. Failure to comply with these notices, without reasonable excuse, is a criminal offence.

In this case, the Forestry Commission initially issued a Restocking Notice under Section 17a of the Act. When this was not followed, a further Enforcement Notice was served under Section 24, ultimately leading to prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The outcome is expected to act as a deterrent to farmers and landowners considering clearing land without the proper permissions, particularly where development plans are involved.