Operation and conditions of felling licence
18.—(1) A felling licence shall continue in force for such period (not being less than 5 years from the date on which it is granted) as is specified in the licence.
(2) A felling licence in respect of trees on any land shall be granted subject to—
(a)the conditions set out in the felling management plan for that land; and
(b)such other conditions (if any) as are specified in the licence.
(3) The felling management plan for any land is a document which sets out conditions regulating the felling of trees on that land authorised by a felling licence; and accordingly a felling licence authorises the felling of trees on any land in accordance with, and subject to, the felling management plan for the time being in force in relation to that land.
(4) The conditions in a felling management plan for any land may in particular—
(a)set out the times at which, or periods within which, the felling of specified trees is authorised;
(b)require the restocking or stocking of that land with trees of a specified species and the maintenance of those trees in accordance with the rules and practice of good forestry for a period not exceeding the period for which the licence remains in force;
(c)prohibit the restocking of open ground created by the felling of trees for a period not exceeding the period for which the licence remains in force.
(5) In determining the felling management plan for any land which consists of, or includes, ancient woodland, the Department shall have regard to the desirability of maintaining the special character of that woodland.
(6) Regulations may make provision about the drawing up, form, content and amendment of, and other matters relating to, felling management plans.