The tree is unprotected and on private land
- Take legal advice - unfortunately, unprotected trees have no legal protections and what happens to them is at the whim of the landowner. If the tree is ancient or veteran, The Woodland Trust might be able to help you.
- Get it protected! Request your local authority place a Tree Preservation Order on the tree(s). Read our guide to TPOs here.
- You could contact the landowner to find out if they might change their mind. They may have received bad advice in which case you might be able to convince them to keep the tree.
- Start a campaign! Read our guide to starting a local campaign to save the tree.
- If it is nesting season (Feb to August inclusive) and you think there are signs of nesting birds in a tree or trees about to be felled, ask the landowner/contractors for the ecologists’ report and their license which is required to do any work if an active nest is present. If they have no licence or are not co-operating call the police and ask for Wildlife Officer immediately - call 999 or 101.
- Do you believe it to be a habitat for bats? If yes and work is imminent, call police and ask for Wildlife Officer. If it's not imminent contact your Tree Officer.
Is the tree or trees over 5 cubic metres of wood? If it is it will require a felling license check Forestry Commission website for list of permissions.
Trees in private gardens are exempt.
If a licence was required but not obtained, contact Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission will be able to enforce a breach if the trees have already been felled, but you have evidence that work should have had a felling licence - 0300 067 4000.