Apply online for a felling licence
Source: gov.uk (2025-04-30)

Guidance on applying for a licence to fell growing trees using our Felling Licence Online service.

Only someone with an interest in land, such as a freeholder, leaseholder or tenant (or any agent acting on their behalf) can apply for a felling licence.

Find out more about tree felling regulations and when to apply for a licence (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-felling-licence-when-you-need-to-apply).

How to apply

Apply now (https://fellinglicenceonline.forestrycommission.gov.uk/portal/user/login)

Read the Felling Licence Online: user guides (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/felling-licence-online-user-guide-operations-note-45). There’s a quick guide and detailed guide to help you apply online.

Licencing periods

Licences are typically granted for:
- 5 years: a standalone licence
- 10 years: if associated with a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/create-a-woodland-management-plan)
What you need to apply online

To apply online you’ll need:
- details about the land you’re interested in felling trees on
- a completed agent authority form (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forestry-commission-agent-authority-form) (if you’re an agent applying for your client), this only needs to be done once per landowner
- map information: a land map showing trees and woodland and the areas for proposed felling (this can be reused for new licence applications)
- details of the felling work types
- details of the tree species to be felled
- your proposals for restocking where restocking is required, learn more about the Definitions of felling and restocking options (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/definitions-of-felling-and-restocking-options)
Have you applied for a felling licence since January 2018?

Contact us before you apply for another licence using Felling Licence Online. We can save you time by transferring your land profile (mapping and property profile data) to your user account.

Email us at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Watch the video guides

Access Felling Licence Online

Watch the ‘Access Felling Licence Online’ video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWh5-vdBmxE&t=8s)

Create a property profile

Watch the video: ‘Create a property profile’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gGh-JXBa2Q)

Add a compartment to a property profile

Watch the video ‘Add a compartment to a property profile’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20_w7R4jwdc)

Apply for a felling licence using the online service

Watch the video ‘Apply for a felling licence using the online service’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0gYvKkSlUU)

The benefits of applying online

With Felling Licence Online you can:
- create your own property profile, so you can re-use your maps when you re-apply
- monitor your application progress
- print your approved licence whenever you need a copy
What to do if you can not apply online

You can request a paper felling licence application if:
- you can not access the internet
- you have access restrictions preventing you using the online service
Contact us by telephone or in writing:

Forestry Commission620 Bristol Business ParkBristolBS16 1EJ

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

We will need your postal address to post the paper felling licence application form.

Do not apply online if you have requested a paper application form.

Post your signed and dated application form to us with:
- 2 signed and dated copies of a map showing the boundary of the tree felling proposals
- supporting checklists, such as European Protected Species, or evidence of planning and stakeholder engagement that is required as part of your application
Contact us

If you’re having problems with the system, email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).