Investigation launched after multiple trees felled in Windermere
Concerns have also been raised about wildlife in the area.
THE cutting down of trees on the shore of Windermere has been described as an ‘act of unspeakable vandalism’.
Images show how a section of trees next to the water have been felled over a period of time prompting reactions of ‘shock’ and ‘anger’ among residents.
In the UK it is an offence to fell licensable trees without having obtained a licence or other valid permission. This can mean, on conviction, a fine which is currently unlimited in value.
Residents are also concerned about the impact on wildlife in the area as they say the felling of trees has caused the removal of habitat for many animals and birds.
A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) said:
“The felling of trees on this land is regulated by the Forestry Commission and not the Lake District National Park Authority.
“Since the trees were felled ground disturbance has occurred. We are investigating whether this is in breach of planning control, separate of the tree felling which the planning system does not control in this case and which is being looked into by other bodies.”
The Forestry Commission said it had carried out a site inspection and are currently investigating.
The commission can serve a restocking notice upon the individual responsible for the land where unlicensed tree felling occurred, either with or without having secured a conviction.
This notice compels the individual served to restock the land with trees. Failure to comply with this notice will result in an enforcement notice being issued.
A spokesperson for the LDNPA added:
“We take enforcement very seriously and will take action where and when necessary, hence we rank 21 out of 326 local planning authorities in England for the issuing of enforcement notices. We have had four successful prosecutions this year, with the most recent case resulting in fines and costs of £126,000 against those being prosecuted.
“This is in a context where national park authorities have experienced real term cuts over a number of years, and where most planning authorities in England are under real strain around staffing and resourcing.”