Story perspectives

Landowner Fined Record £268,751 for Illegal Tree Felling

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Leicestershire landowner received a record £268,751 fine for illegally felling trees, per the Forestry Commission.
Motor Fuel Ltd, based in Loughborough, pleaded guilty to violating an enforcement notice at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
The fine is England's highest for illegal tree felling.
Motor Fuel Ltd illegally removed mixed broadleaf woodland in 2019 to prepare for a potential development.
The landowner must replant and maintain 176 trees for ten years.

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Story summary

A Leicestershire landowner received a record £268,751 fine for illegally felling trees, per the Forestry Commission.
Motor Fuel Ltd, based in Loughborough, pleaded guilty to violating an enforcement notice at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
The fine is England's highest for illegal tree felling.
Motor Fuel Ltd illegally removed mixed broadleaf woodland in 2019 to prepare for a potential development.
The landowner must replant and maintain 176 trees for ten years.