Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023

Section 37 - Conditions of tree felling licences

207. Section 37 amends section 10 of the Forestry Act 1967 to enable the Natural Resources Body for Wales (“NRW”), as the “appropriate forestry authority” for Wales under the Act, to impose conditions on the grant of a tree felling licence if it appears to NRW that it would be expedient to do so for the purpose of (i) conserving or enhancing natural beauty, or (ii) conserving flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features, or natural habitats.

208. Section 10 of the Forestry Act 1967 currently enables NRW to impose conditions for certain purposes when granting tree felling licences. This amendment adds a further purpose for which NRW will be able to attach conditions to new tree felling licences. It will allow NRW to include conditions to felling licences to prevent felling that would contradict other environmental legislation. For example, to include conditions requiring licence holders not to fell trees in certain areas in order to retain habitat, or to fell trees only at certain times of year, or undertake capital works to mitigate the impact of felling on the environment if it appears to NRW that it would be expedient to do so in order to conserve certain flora or fauna or avoid environmental harm.