Larch felling, no licence from FC until May

[Bealers]

I've a 4 acre Japanese Larch plantation in Powys that we applied for a felling (thinning) licence from the FC late last year.

 

Because they can't tell if we're diseased or not they've come back to us saying they can't issue us a licence until May when the stems have needles again, fair enough.

 

The puzzling thing, however, is them then asking us if we'd sign a declaration saying we understand that they are unable to give us an answer within the statutory 3 months. This has set small alarm bells ringing and I'm concerned that it could be a sleight of hand in some way on their part. If they are unable to issue a licence within 3 months why should they need me to sign something to say I understand that? Or, are they just covering their arses?

 

I'm away working so have only had the letter read out to me by my Mrs but I'm confident the interpretation is correct.

 

I'll give them a call next week when home to get the full story but wondered if others had any insights on this?

[Sleeches]

There is an exemption for up to 5 cubic metres per quarter which does not require a felling licence, so you may be able to crack on without the licence but a phone call to the FC would probably be wise.

 

The 3 month thing is just around their targets - they get penalised if they don't respond within the deadline so it there is a valid reason (like here) then they will get it documented so it doesn't skew their stats.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Not sure I agree with the above; first the 5m3 is going to be pretty irrelevant in this case unless you really are only cutting that much?! Second, as per the article in the Forestry Journal and here:

 

Forestry Commission - News - felling of larch trees halted over winter to prevent disease spread

 

They don't want to put infected in the chain even if it was "clean" last season...

[Dean O]

if 5m cube was to be felled and left onsite to season ready for its intended use (after may) would this still be an issue?

[Bealers]

if 5m cube was to be felled and left onsite to season ready for its intended use (after may) would this still be an issue?

 

No, my Mrs spoke with the FC today and they said there was nothing stopping us felling (and removing) the usual 5m³ per quarter.

[Old WoodChip]

MAY?

what about birds breeding?

this has stopped work plenty of times, a friend does survey work and if a nest is found your stuffed