Managing storm damage to woodlands
Strong winds can cause significant damage and disruption to forests and woodlands. Before any work starts to manage storm damaged woodland there are two considerations; safety, and obtaining a felling licence.
Safety
Felling trees and working with chainsaws is inherently dangerous, especially working on storm-damaged trees and forests. Windthrown trees are extremely hazardous, as they may be under significant compression and tension forces, may contain suspended debris such as large branches that have become loose, or may be supporting other leaning trees. There is also the potential that power lines, phone cables, water and gas mains may also have been affected. Health and safety must be paramount when approaching windthrown trees.
The removal of windthrown trees should only ever be undertaken by trained, qualified and experienced professionals who have the right tools and insurance. For areas that have been windthrown that are awaiting assessment and clearance, erect signage and barrier tape to exclude access until storm-damaged areas can be made safe.
Further information is published by the Forest Industry Safety Accord including: https://ukfisa.com/News-Events/News/extreme-weather-conditions-have-caused-problems-across-the-country-recently-with-many-communities-living-with-the-after-effects-of-storms-dudley-eunice-and-franklin
Felling licence
Under the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, it is an offence to fell trees without first getting felling permission from the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). A felling licence is normally required for felling trees within a woodland of 0.2 hectares (half an acre) or greater, this includes windthrown trees. However, there are a number of exemptions including: where the volume will not exceed the 5 cubic metre threshold in any calendar quarter and for the felling of trees for the prevention of danger or the prevention or abatement of a nuisance.
If you are claiming exemption the burden of proof to demonstrate this exemption lies with the person claiming it. We strongly advise that you take multiple photographs of any situation where you are claiming exemption and record decisions made in your risk assessment and method statement for the task, and retain these records for at least 3 years.
Forest Service administers felling licence applications through its Felling Licence branch, which is also available to assist with queries and advice. Applications are assessed against legal requirements, forestry standards and best practice guidance. A licence lasts at least five years. Further information can be viewed via https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/felling-licences.
Further Information
Forest Service have compiled a list of agents and contractors to help private individuals obtain forestry goods and services. The list can be viewed via https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/list-forest-service-contractors-suppliers-northern-ireland.