Record £268,751 Fine for Illegal Tree Felling
Summary
Leicestershire landowner Motor Fuel Ltd was sentenced at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 28 January 2026 to pay £268,751 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice 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. This is the highest ever fine imposed for illegal tree felling by a court in England. The court also ordered Motor Fuel Ltd to maintain the replanted trees for 10 years under a Restocking Order.
“A total sum due of £268,751 was ordered to be paid within 28 days of the sentence. This included the fine of £266,666, prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £2,000.”
Landowners and developers should treat this as a signal of increased enforcement in the forestry and environmental space. Motor Fuel Ltd must pay £268,751 within 28 days and maintain replanted trees for 10 years under a Restocking Order — failure risks contempt of court.
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What changed
A Leicestershire landowner, Motor Fuel Ltd, has been ordered to pay £268,751 after illegal tree felling of mixed broadleaf woodland beside a petrol station in 2019, which was done as a pre-emptive action for a future development proposal. The court imposed the highest ever fine for illegal tree felling in England following a sentencing at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 28 January 2026, after the landowner pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice under Section 24 of the Forestry Act 1967.
Affected landowners and developers should note that failing to comply with a Forestry Commission Restocking or Enforcement Notice is a criminal offence that carries substantial financial penalties and court orders requiring replanting. The 10-year Restocking Order means ongoing compliance obligations beyond the initial fine payment. Non-compliance with the Restocking Order could result in contempt of court proceedings with further financial penalties or custodial sentences.
What to do next
- Pay the total sum of £268,751 within 28 days of the sentence
- Maintain the trees replanted under the Restocking Order for 10 years
Penalties
£268,751 total (£266,666 fine, £85 prosecution costs, £2,000 surcharge)
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Press release
Landowner ordered to pay highest ever illegal felling fine
A Leicestershire landowner is to pay £268,751 after illegal tree felling
From: Forestry Commission Published 2 April 2026
This is 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.
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 him 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.
Additional information:
· A total sum due of £268,751 was ordered to be paid within 28 days of the sentence. This included the fine of £266,666, prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £2,000.
· The Restocking Order ensures trees are replanted, to help protect the environment.
· Information on when a felling licence is required: Tree felling licence: when you need to apply - GOV.UK
· Applications for felling licences can be made via the Felling Licence Online system
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