Welsh landowner fined for tree felling offences

A substantial fine has been issued to a landowner for felling trees without the appropriate licence in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Welsh landowner Jeff Lane reportedly felled more than 2,000 trees across 8ha of protected woodland in the Gower area, near Swansea, Wales.

An initial conviction was made at Swansea Magistrates court in April 2022 relating to the tree felling that took place during 2019 and 2020.

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Mr Lane appealed the decision and was trialled again later that year, however he was found guilty on both occasions.

It is understood he had a licence to thin the woodland, but not to fell the entire area.

On 14 June 2024, he was fined £1,500 for offences related to the Proceeds of Crime Act and was handed a confiscation order for a further £11,280 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

The offences are in relation to tree felling without the required licence and non-compliance of an enforcement notice to replant the trees.

During the ruling, the judge determined that Mr Lane had financially benefited the equivalent to £78,640 from the tree felling.

Natural Resources Wales said it was the worst case of illegal tree felling it had seen in 30 years.

Nick Fackrell, forest regulation senior officer for Natural Resources Wales, said: “We have a legal duty to protect the natural environment in Wales and that includes ensuring compliance with forestry regulations.

“We welcome the outcome and hope this sends a clear message that we won’t hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action to protect wildlife and the environment.

“Actions like these undermine the work of farmers, foresters and land managers working legally and sustainably to look after our wildlife and countryside, grow our food and produce our timber.”