Farmer to face no action for felling trees at river site
AFARMER who bulldozed a riverside beauty spot to protect local homes from flooding has been cleared by the Forestry Commission – but still faces possible legal action.
John Price used a 16-ton digger to dredge a section of the River Lugg near Leominster in Herefordshire and stripped a mile-long stretch of the bank of trees and bushes.
Helen Stace, CEO of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, described Mr Price’s actions as a “crime against the environment”.
Environmentalists – including BBC Gardeners’ World host Monty Don – expressed his shock at the “complete obliteration” of a site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to otters and Atlantic salmon.
However, Mr Price, 66, who lives next to the river, said he had acted to protect locals in the nearby hamlet whose homes were devastated in the 2019 floods.
He said he was asked to carry out the work for free as he was fixing the erosion of the river bed and was helping to solve flooding issues.
Local residents said they had asked the Environment Agency to clear the blocked river to prevent more flooding, but their appeals failed.
An urgent investigation was launched by the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission after Mr Price bulldozed the trees on December 4.
This week the Forestry Commission confirmed it was taking “no further action” against Mr Price.
A spokesperson said: “Following an investigation we can confirm that the felling operations were undertaken with the authority of an approved conditional felling licence and no further action is to be taken in respect of the felling at this time.
“The licence did not authorise any works beyond the felling of the trees. The conditions of the licence do, however, require re-stocking of the felled area no later than June 30, 2026.
“Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the Forestry Commission taking enforcement action in the future.”
The Environment Agency said it had held talks with Kingsland Parish Council and local landowners about flooding and pollution and had offered advice and guidance.
But the work undertaken would require a permit under the Environmental Permitting Regulations and no such permit had been issued.
Emma Johnson, of Natural England, said: “Natural England and the Environment Agency are currently investigating the full circumstances of this significant incident on the River Lugg. This is a live investigation, which may lead to legal action and as such further details cannot be shared at this time.”
Mr Price claims the work he did on the riverbanks is legal and says he has the backing of local councillors and residents.
Speaking after he cleared the riverbank, he said: “I’m a Herefordshire farmer and have lived at Hay Farm and was born here at home. I have never moved and have watched this river all my life and no one knows this river better than myself.
“I have always looked after the river. I was asked to stop the erosion because I’m the landowner so I’m responsible for the river.
“It was up to the Environmental Agency to look after these rivers but they don’t do any work and haven’t got any money to do the work because they spend it all on clipboards.
“I have not pushed any trees out and I haven’t knocked any trees down. I have only cleared what ones came down in the flood.”
One resident said: “John has acted in the best interests of the local community. He is a hero in our eyes and we back him to the hilt. We’re sick of flooding ruining people’s lives. The powers-that-be weren’t any help so John just did it himself. Bravo I say.”
John is a hero in our eyes and we back him to the hilt RESIDENT
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