Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations (Northern Ireland)

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has consulted on proposals to introduce the need to have a licence for felling trees in woodlands of 0.2 hectares or more.

The consultation closed on 24 June 2011. The regulations will be called the Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and the Forestry (Felling of Trees) (Calculation of the Area of Land) Regulations 2011 and are expected to come into force in winter 2011-12.

Who will the Regulations affect?

The regulations will affect all sectors of the forestry industry.

What are the main aims of the proposals?

• To protect areas under forestry use.
• To achieve diversity and improved forest structure.
• To regulate the felling and regeneration of trees in private woodlands.

What will you have to do?

If you wish to fell trees in woodlands of 0.2 hectares or more you will require a felling licence. You will also need a five year felling management plan, which will include the timing of felling and the proposed regeneration and composition of woodland. The Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations will contain provisions about how to appeal if you are refused a felling licence or if you want to change the conditions of a felling licence.

You will need to check if your woodland covers an area of 0.2 hectares or more. The Forestry (Felling of Trees) (Calculation of the Area of Land) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 establish the boundaries to be used in calculating whether a woodland is 0.2 hectares or more.

Further information on the forestry regulations

DARD: Consultation letter on the Felling of Trees Regulations
DARD: The Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 - draft regulations
DARD: The Forestry (Felling of Trees) (Calculation of the Area of Land) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 - draft regulations