Record £268k fine for illegal tree felling

Inner Temple Library Current Awareness

Published April 2nd, 2026

Detected April 8th, 2026

Summary

Leicester Magistrates' Court imposed a record £268,751 fine on Motor Fuel Ltd for illegal tree felling in Leicestershire. The company pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice served after felling mixed broadleaf woodland beside a petrol station in 2019. The court also ordered the landowner to replant and maintain 176 trees on the site for 10 years.

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What changed

The Forestry Commission's investigation into Motor Fuel Ltd concluded with the highest ever fine imposed by a court in England for illegal tree felling. The defendant felled mixed broadleaf woodland beside a petrol station in 2019 as a pre-emptive action for a proposed development extension. The company failed to comply with an enforcement notice served by the Forestry Commission.

This case signals increased enforcement activity by the Forestry Commission regarding tree protection laws and demonstrates that courts are imposing substantial financial penalties for illegal felling. Landowners and developers considering tree removal should ensure proper licences are obtained and enforcement notices are complied with to avoid significant financial liability.

What to do next

Monitor for updates

Penalties

Total sum of £268,751 ordered to be paid within 28 days, comprising a fine of £266,666, prosecution costs of £85, and a surcharge of £2,000. Additionally ordered to replant and maintain 176 trees for 10 years.

Source document (simplified)

Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission said the firm had illegally felled trees beside a petrol station in 2019

George Torr East Midlands

2 April 2026

A landowner has been handed a record fine after illegally felling trees in Leicestershire, the Forestry Commission has said.

Motor Fuel Ltd, based at the corner of Ashby Road and Snells Nook Lane in Loughborough, was ordered to pay £268,751, including costs, after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice that was served at Leicester Magistrates' Court.

The Forestry Commission, which carried out the investigation, said it was the highest ever fine imposed on a case of illegal tree felling by a court in England.

The landowner was also ordered to replant and maintain 176 trees on the site for 10 years.

Details of the sentencing, which took place on 28 January, were released by the Forestry Commission on Thursday.

The Forestry Commission said the firm had illegally felled 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.

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."

A total sum due of £268,751 was ordered to be paid within 28 days of the sentencing hearing.

The figure included a fine of £266,666, prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £2,000.

Forestry Commission

The court has ordered the landowner to replant 176 trees and maintain them for 10 years