Farmers are being urged to check if they need a felling licence before carrying out any hedging work on their land to avoid falling foul of the law. image expired

Forestry Commission Wales has called upon farmers and landowners to check whether they require licences as they begin renovating hedgerows as part of their agreement under Welsh Government agri-environmental grant schemes, notably Tir Gofal.

The call is in response to a high rate of illegal felling involving hedges on farms. The commission said it records an average of five cases each year; landowners in Carmarthenshire are the worst offenders.

Ann Humble, Tir Gofal scheme manager, backed the call, stating that hedgerow trees were important wildlife features of the Welsh landscape. She said, “Managing land responsibly in Wales is an important part of contributing to a wide range of environmental gains in the countryside.

“Felling should only be undertaken to enhance the survival of adjacent trees – and felling licences may still be required in these circumstances. Acting in such a responsible manner will continue to demonstrate to the wider community the year on year on benefits that active land management brings to the Welsh economy.”

Failure to check if a licence is needed to fell trees could result in a fine of up to £2,500 or twice the value of the trees, depending on which is higher and could land the farmer with a criminal record. Furthermore, a breach of Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) requirements such as this may affect directs support and rural development payments.

Forestry Commission Wales’ regulatory case manager Chris Botting said, “We appreciate that this is a busy time of year on the farm, particularly for those wishing to meet grant claim deadlines for hedging work.

“However, if there is tree felling work to do I would encourage farmers not to get caught out and to contact us first to see whether a felling licence is required. Doing this should then avoid any situations that may lead to a magistrates’ court appearance.”