This dataset applies to Felling Permissions (previously Felling Licence Applications) received by Scottish Forestry (previously Forestry Commission Scotland) after 1st January 2012 and administered using Scottish Forestry’s Case Management System.

Anyone wishing to fell trees must ensure that a licence or permission has been issued by Scottish Forestry before any felling is carried out or that one of the exceptions apply.

You normally need to get permission from Scottish Forestry to fell growing trees. This is usually given in a Felling Permission. In certain circumstances you may also need special permission from another organisation for any proposed felling. This sometimes applies even if you do not need a Felling Permission.

Everyone involved in the felling of trees, whether doing the work or by engaging others, e.g. the owner, agent, timber merchant or contractor, must ensure that permission has been issued before any felling is carried out or that one of the exceptions apply. They must also ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the terms of a Scottish Forestry Felling Permission. If there is no valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, anyone involved can be prosecuted.

Do not begin felling until Scottish Forestry have given permission. Any felling carried out without either a licence or other permission is an offence, unless it is covered by an exception.

For more detailed information please see the metadata record on Scotland's SpatialData.gov.scot Metadata Portal.