A Leicestershire landowner to pay £268,751 after illegal tree felling, the highest ever fine imposed on a case of illegal tree felling by a court in England
A landowner has been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £268,751 following the illegal felling of trees after an investigation by the Forestry Commission.
On 28 January 2026, at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, the landowner was sentenced, after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice that was served following unlawful felling of mixed broadleaf woodland beside a petrol station in 2019. The trees were felled as a pre-emptive action for a future development proposal to extend the premises at the site.
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The court ordered the landowner, Motor Fuel Ltd, to maintain the trees replanted for 10 years. If the landowner does not comply with this Court Restocking Order, they could face action for contempt of court, with further financial penalties or even a custodial sentence.
This case is the latest example of robust action by the Forestry Commission to protect the nation’s trees, woodlands and forests.
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.
“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”.
Following the unlawful felling in 2019, the Forestry Commission served the landowner with a Restocking Notice under Section 17a of the Forestry Act 1967, directing them to replant the trees. This was not complied with and a further Enforcement Notice under Section 24 of the Act was served.
Failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. The matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which brought charges against the landowner.
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