In January 2026, Motor Fuel Ltd received the highest illegal tree felling fine ever imposed in England after clearing woodland beside a Loughborough petrol station.
The company was ordered to pay £268,751 because it cut down protected trees without a licence and then failed to comply with official notices requiring the land to be restored.
Key facts behind the Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine include:
- Mixed broadleaf woodland was felled in 2019 near Ashby Road and Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough
- The trees were removed ahead of a proposed petrol station expansion
- Motor Fuel Ltd ignored both a Restocking Notice and an Enforcement Notice
- Leicester Magistrates’ Court imposed a £268,751 penalty on 28 January 2026
- The company must now replant and maintain 176 trees for the next 10 years
The case has become a warning to businesses across the UK about the consequences of unlawful tree felling.
Why was Motor Fuel Ltd Given a £268,751 Tree-Felling Fine?
The Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine of £268,751 was issued after the company unlawfully felled woodland and ignored repeated legal instructions from the Forestry Commission.
In 2019, a section of mixed broadleaf woodland near a petrol station in Loughborough was cleared without the required felling licence.
The site was located at the junction of Ashby Road and Snells Nook Lane, and investigators found the clearance was linked to plans to expand the petrol station.
Key reasons for the fine:
- Trees were cut down without a valid felling licence
- Failure to comply with a Restocking Notice
- Ignoring a formal Enforcement Notice for several years
However, the eventual prosecution was not simply about cutting down the trees. The far more serious issue was that Motor Fuel Ltd failed to comply with a Restocking Notice and later an Enforcement Notice.
Richard Pearce, Area Director for the East and East Midlands at the Forestry Commission, said:
“Felling trees without a licence or failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice is unacceptable.”
Because the company ignored these formal notices for several years, the matter escalated from an environmental breach into a criminal offence.
What Happened at the Loughborough Petrol Station Site?
The site at the centre of the case is located at the corner of Ashby Road and Snells Nook Lane in Loughborough, Leicestershire. In 2019, Motor Fuel Ltd removed a substantial area of mixed broadleaf woodland beside the petrol station.
The woodland was reportedly cleared before any formal expansion of the site had been approved. Investigators concluded that the work had been carried out to prepare for a future development proposal.
The Forestry Commission described the tree removal as a “pre-emptive action”, meaning the company attempted to clear the land in advance of any confirmed planning or environmental permission.
Why Was the Woodland Removed?
The competitor reports consistently show that the company intended to create more space for the petrol station premises. Although expansion plans may have been under consideration, this did not give the company permission to remove the trees.
Before any woodland can be removed in England, businesses must establish whether a felling licence is required. In this case, no licence had been granted.
Why the Site Became Legally Significant?
The case became legally significant because the land contained mixed broadleaf woodland rather than a few isolated trees. Woodland of this type often supports wildlife habitats, contributes to biodiversity and may be protected under forestry legislation.
By removing the woodland without permission, Motor Fuel Ltd triggered an investigation by the Forestry Commission.
Why Was the Tree Felling Considered Illegal?
Tree felling is not automatically unlawful in England. However, many trees and woodlands cannot legally be removed unless the owner first obtains a felling licence from the Forestry Commission.
A felling licence is normally required when more than a small amount of timber is being removed. The licence system exists to ensure that woodlands are managed responsibly and that businesses do not destroy habitats without proper assessment.
In the Motor Fuel Ltd case, the Forestry Commission found that:
- No valid felling licence had been obtained
- The woodland had been removed in connection with a planned development
- The company failed to replant the site after the unlawful felling was discovered
The fact that the trees stood on privately controlled land did not exempt the company from the law. Many landowners wrongly assume they can remove trees freely on their own property, but tree felling regulations still apply.
A second official statement from Richard Pearce reinforced this point:
“This case demonstrates how seriously the Forestry Commission and the courts take the protection of trees, woodlands and forests, and the harm caused by illegal felling to the climate and nature.”
How Did the Legal Process Unfold Between 2019 and 2026?
The Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine was not the result of a single incident. It followed a long legal process lasting almost seven years.
| Date | Event |
| 2019 | Mixed broadleaf woodland beside the petrol station was felled without a licence |
| 2019 | Forestry Commission served a Restocking Notice requiring the trees to be replanted |
| 4 April 2022 | An Enforcement Notice was issued after the company failed to comply |
| July 2023 to June 2025 | Continued non-compliance with the notice |
| June 2025 | Case referred to the Crown Prosecution Service |
| 27 October 2025 | Motor Fuel Ltd pleaded guilty |
| 28 January 2026 | Leicester Magistrates’ Court imposed the £268,751 penalty |
| 2 April 2026 | The Forestry Commission publicly released the details of the case |
The long period of non-compliance played a major role in the size of the final penalty. Had the company replanted the trees when first instructed, the case may never have reached court.
What Was Motor Fuel Ltd Actually Convicted Of?
Motor Fuel Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice under the Forestry Act 1967. This is important because the criminal conviction related specifically to ignoring the legal notice rather than simply carrying out the original tree felling.
After the woodland was removed, the Forestry Commission served a Restocking Notice under Section 17A of the Forestry Act 1967. This notice instructed the company to replant the trees.
When the company failed to do so, the Forestry Commission issued a further Enforcement Notice under Section 24 of the Act. Ignoring this notice without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence.
Restocking Notice
A Restocking Notice is the first legal step taken after unlawful tree felling. It requires the landowner to replace the lost woodland by planting new trees within a specified period.
Enforcement Notice
An Enforcement Notice is issued if the original Restocking Notice is ignored. It serves as a formal legal warning that the landowner must comply. Failure to obey this notice can lead to criminal prosecution.
Restocking Order
Following Motor Fuel Ltd’s conviction, the court imposed a Restocking Order. This requires the company to replant and maintain 176 broadleaf trees at the site for the next 10 years.
If the company fails to follow the order, it could face further fines, contempt of court proceedings or even a custodial sentence.
Why Was This the Highest Tree Felling Fine in England?
The Forestry Commission described the Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine as the highest ever penalty imposed by an English court for illegal tree felling. The record-breaking amount was caused by several factors.
First, the woodland was removed without a licence. Second, the company ignored repeated opportunities to put matters right. Third, the non-compliance continued for years despite formal notices and warnings.
The court wanted to send a strong message that environmental law cannot be ignored for the sake of commercial development.
| Breakdown of the £268,751 Penalty | Amount |
| Fine | £266,666 |
| Prosecution costs | £85 |
| Victim services surcharge | £2,000 |
| Total | £268,751 |
The company was ordered to pay the full amount within 28 days of sentencing.
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission stated:
“This is the highest ever fine imposed on a case of illegal tree felling by a court in England.”
The unusually large fine reflects the seriousness of both the original woodland clearance and the prolonged refusal to comply with legal obligations.
What Must Motor Fuel Ltd Do Now?
Although the company has already been fined, its responsibilities do not end there. Leicester Magistrates’ Court also issued a Restocking Order requiring the business to restore the site.
Motor Fuel Ltd must now:
- Replant 176 equally spaced broadleaf trees
- Maintain those trees for a period of 10 years
- Replace any tree that dies or fails
- Manage the area according to good forestry practice
The replacement trees must remain in place and be properly maintained throughout the ten-year period. If any of the trees die, the company will have to replace them by 30 June of the following year.
The court also warned that failure to comply with the order could lead to:
- Contempt of court proceedings
- Additional financial penalties
- A possible custodial sentence
This means the company still faces further legal consequences if it does not meet the terms of the order.
Why Does Illegal Tree Felling Matter for the Environment?
Illegal tree felling can cause long-term environmental damage. Mature woodland supports birds, insects, mammals and plant species that depend on stable habitats. Once the woodland is removed, these ecosystems may take decades to recover.
In the Motor Fuel Ltd case, the woodland consisted of mixed broadleaf trees. Such woodland is especially valuable because it supports a broad range of wildlife and improves biodiversity.
The environmental consequences of unlawful tree removal include the loss of:
- Wildlife habitats
- Carbon storage
- Natural flood management
- Landscape quality
- Local biodiversity
One of the most important points in this case is that replanting 176 trees does not instantly replace what was lost. Newly planted saplings cannot provide the same environmental benefits as mature woodland.
For that reason, the Forestry Commission and the courts increasingly take illegal tree felling seriously. The climate and biodiversity crisis has made woodland protection more important than ever.
What Does the Motor Fuel Ltd Tree Fine Mean for Other Businesses?
The case sends a clear message to businesses, developers and landowners across the UK. Commercial objectives do not override environmental law.
Businesses planning to extend a petrol station, retail site, warehouse or industrial premises must first assess whether any trees on the site are protected. If there is any uncertainty, they should seek advice from arboricultural consultants and legal professionals.
Many companies make the mistake of removing trees before planning permission has been granted. The Motor Fuel Ltd case shows why this is risky. Even if a future development appears likely, clearing the site too early can lead to prosecution.
Key Lessons for Developers and Landowners
- Never assume that trees can be removed simply because they are on private land
- Check whether a felling licence is needed before starting work
- Do not ignore notices from the Forestry Commission
- Seek planning, legal and environmental advice before carrying out site clearance
- Treat environmental compliance as part of every development project
The most costly mistake made by Motor Fuel Ltd was not necessarily the original felling. It was the decision to ignore official notices for years afterwards.
Conclusion
The Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine was imposed after the company illegally cleared woodland in Loughborough and failed to follow legal notices to restore the site.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court issued a £268,751 penalty, the largest of its kind in England. The firm must also replant and maintain 176 trees for 10 years.
This case highlights the importance of obtaining proper permissions and complying with regulations, as ignoring them can lead to serious financial and legal consequences.
FAQs About Motor Fuel Ltd Tree Fine
Can you cut down trees on your own land in the UK?
Not always. In many cases you need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission, even if the trees are on private land.
What is a felling licence?
A felling licence is official permission from the Forestry Commission allowing trees or woodland to be removed legally.
Why was Motor Fuel Ltd fined so heavily?
The company not only cut down trees without a licence but also ignored legal notices for several years.
Who investigated the Motor Fuel Ltd tree fine case?
The investigation was carried out by the Forestry Commission, while the Crown Prosecution Service brought the charges.
How many trees must Motor Fuel Ltd replace?
The company must replant and maintain 176 broadleaf trees for 10 years.
Could Motor Fuel Ltd face further action?
Yes. If the company fails to comply with the court’s Restocking Order, it could face further fines or contempt of court proceedings.
Is this the biggest illegal tree felling fine in England?
Yes. The £268,751 penalty is the highest fine imposed by a court in England for illegal tree felling.
