Over 130m³ of protected woodland was illegally felled in Fleet Wood, Chickerell, with trees aged up to 100 years old being cut down without a license in 2023.

The Forestry Commission investigated reports of illegal felling in Fleet Wood – an area protected under Dorset National Landscape – and found that the reckless felling has not only destroyed a historical woodland, but local wildlife, including several protected species of birds, have had their habitats destroyed.

The company responsible for illegally felling over 130m³ of woodland failed to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court, where they were found guilty and fined £30,000.

Anyone involved in the illegal felling is subject to prosecution as there was no felling license, exemption, or other relevant permission obtained prior to the ancient woodland being destroyed.

The woodland is named as a Site of Specialist Scientific Interest and its destruction has affected several protected species of birds, disrupting their habitats which may take hundreds of years to recover.

Woodsure supports the Forestry Commission’s investigation and the outcome, and it is positive to see forestry-related crime effectively tackled. Illegal felling endangers the sustainability of our forests and sets a poor precedent for others. Enforcement action, such as in this instance, is an effective measure to encourage compliance – supporting local foresters, sustaining our environment, and safeguarding the habitats of protected species.