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Record £268,751 Fine for Illegal Tree Felling

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.

Record £268,751 Fine for Illegal Tree Felling in Leicestershire

Motor Fuel Ltd, based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, has been ordered to pay £268,751 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with a Forestry Commission enforcement notice served at Leicester Magistrates' Court — the highest ever fine imposed on a case of illegal tree felling by a court in England. The sentencing took place on 28 January 2026, with the total sum due within 28 days, comprising a fine of £266,666, prosecution costs of £85, and a surcharge of £2,000. The court additionally ordered the landowner to replant and maintain 176 trees on the site for 10 years.