Successful prosecution for felled trees

Date published: 28th November 2025

North Norfolk District Council has secured a successful prosecution, after a man in East Runton admitted to felling an area of protected woodland without permission. 

Norwich Magistrates were shown aerial images and Lidar mapping of the property at Broomhill in East Runton illustrating the extent of the woodland removed by felling a number of trees in April 2024. 

The man was handed a fine of £3300 (reduced from £5000 for admission of guilt) a £1340 victim surcharge and ordered to pay the court costs of £6000.

In mitigation, the man stated that he was undertaking a replanting scheme at the location, which would be costing between £50-70,000 to cover the loss of the woodland that had been destroyed.

Our landscaping team advises: "This case should act as a warning. 

The Council takes this type of breach seriously and will take action against anyone who breaches a tree preservation order. 

Anyone considering removing trees should check with the local authority before tree removal works happen, to avoid similar fines and ensure that protected woodlands remain intact."