Warning to households over illegal tree felling

Woodland Trust Scotland has written to 600 households bordering its Livingston woods after a spate of unauthorised felling.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said:“There is a lot of equipment and procedure involved in felling trees properly.

“Contractors need to be qualified and know what they are doing otherwise they might cause a tree to fall on a passing member of the public or leave a pruned tree in a dangerous state.

“Where trees are taken out from a block, those that are left can be at increased risk of blowing over in high winds.

“This is a busy town we are talking about here, not some wild remote hillside. Somebody could be badly hurt or killed.”

The problem has emerged since lockdown and seems to be driven by householders who want to change the view from their gardens or allow in more light.

While householders may have the right to prune branches overhanging their boundary, felling a tree beyond the boundary constitutes criminal damage.

George Anderson continued: “We manage numerous woods across the town and know most residents value the benefits. There are many studies which show living near woods and trees boosts wellbeing and mental health.

“Our woods bring in numerous birds and make for a pleasant environment where children grow up with nature around them and adults can enjoy a walk or a run.

“Householders next to Woodland Trust Scotland sites who have issues with trees on boundaries should contact the Trust.

“Legitimate problems will be dealt with but what we have been seeing is a spate of cases where trees are being felled well beyond boundaries.

“We want to issue a warning to Livingston’s unauthorised treefellers: This behaviour is not acceptable.

“And to residents: If you see this happening, please report to Police on 101. If you can safely record details of offenders please do.”

A Police spokesperson said: “Police Scotland are working along with Woodland Trust Scotland to address the complaints regarding the illegal tree felling, fly-tipping, antisocial behaviours and wilful fire raising across their woods.

Any such reports will be brought to our attention and investigated fully.”

Woodland Trust sites in Livingston are NorthWood, Railway Wood, Deans Wood, Knightsridge Woods, East Woods, Ladywell Woods, Eliburn Woods, Cousland Woods, Kirkton Woods, DedridgeWood,Wilderness, Bellsquarry Wood and Murieston Woods.