A couple from Sarre are demanding that action is taken over ‘suspected illegal’ tree felling at woodland in the village after the Forestry Commission failed to prosecute due to running out of time.
Around 40 mature trees were brought down on around one-third of woodland off the Canterbury Road over a three day period in 2023 and emails seen by The Isle of Thanet News show that the Commission’s woodland officer for East Kent had recommended prosecution – but then admits a staff shortage meant the two year time limit to take that action expired.
The commission then declined to use its powers to order the landowner to restock the decimated area despite not needing a criminal conviction in place to issue a remediation notice.
The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.
The officer dealing with the case told the pair: “I asked our Regulation Team for prosecution. To be successful, such case should be taken to court during two years. “Unfortunately, because the team is understaffed it had not been done, so the case was closed in 2025.”
In response to issuing a restocking notice, the officer wrote: “The FC can serve a Restocking Notice in cases of alleged illegal felling where no conviction has been secured, as confirmed by the recent Court of Appeal ruling.
“However, the FC is subject to the Regulators’ Code and considers it unreasonable to pursue cases involving historic felling where there has been limited engagement with a known landowner.
“Given its high workload, the FC made the difficult decision to close some cases where it was no longer considered reasonable to take further action, allowing resources to be focused on cases where enforcement remained proportionate and appropriate.
“I know this will be a disappointment, but the FC will not be taking any further action in regard to this felling event.”
The couple, who have asked not to be named, say they cannot understand why the Forestry Commission even ‘exists’ if it is not going to use its powers to protect woodland.
They said: “This sends a really alarming message that landowners and developers can fell large parts of woodland and simply run down the clock, or if the regulator is stretched thin enough, destroy trees and wildlife habitat with total impunity. That is not a deterrent, It’s an invitation.”
The felling, carried out using heavy machinery, has also fractured a garden – which sits on a shared boundary.
The resident said: “It is basically being slowly torn apart and pulled into the land below. The trees had been providing the lateral support that was holding the ground together.”
The couple say they are appalled that the authorities seem ‘not to care’ when Thanet already suffers from minimal tree cover. The isle is one of the least tree covered areas in the UK, with a canopy of just 4.4%.
According to a Kent County Council canopy cover report, Thanet stands in stark contrast to areas such as Canterbury (19.5%), Ashford (16%) and Tunbridge Wells ( 29% ).
The couple added: “Those trees should never have come down in the first place , that is the principle of the matter here, and replanting should have been enforced immediately by the Forestry Commission.
“This is what we are seeking to achieve, so that at least the woodland and its inhabitants can begin to flourish again, and send a clear message to landowners and developers that this level of destruction will not be tolerated.
“Otherwise, we may as well get the bulldozers out and remove every last section of woodland we have left in Thanet, Kent and beyond, because no one will stop you.”
The couple say Thanet council was alerted to the felling and an officer even came to the site at the time but no action was taken over possible planning breaches and ‘dangerous excavation.’
They said: “We are now asking Thanet council to instruct the landowner to reinstate a secure boundary line.
“It feels like it’s a free-for-all for developers against the woodland and wildlife – it’s a real shame.”
The couple have also contacted MP Sir Roger Gale who has raised the issue with government department Defra.
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: “The matter of the removal of a wooded embankment in Sarre, Thanet, is currently the subject of a formal complaint and associated enquiries.
“While those processes are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the Forestry Commission to comment. We will respond in due course.”
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “Following a visit to the site in Sarre by our Planning Enforcement team in 2023, it was determined that there was no legal requirement for the council to be notified prior to the removal of the trees.
“None of the trees on the site were protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), and the location does not fall within a designated conservation area. Therefore the council has no legal powers to require trees to be replanted on this land.
“Thanet council has been asked for a response”
OK, which TDC cllr is going to comment on here first?
Helen :-)
She won’t, as it is something that has happened on her watch, and it would mean criticism of TDC Leader Kenny Everett (I think that’s his name).
It sends a horrific message to landowners and developers. PROSECUTE
With Thanet being one of the most tree-less parts of the country, you’d think they’d give the area priority! Anyway… TDC declared a so-called “Climate Emergency” (whilst concreting over our fields), what can/will they do about it? Anyone???
well said Mr Checksfield , every where i look in thanet its being decimated with houses , and no doubt there is more on the way . its a wonder the shops are not running out of brown envelopes ?
Isn’t there a Green Party councillor on TDC? Can we hear a word from him about this vandalism?
Tricia Austin, Kevin Pressland, Abi Smith, Becky King, Rob Yates… there are several and I’m sure they’re all appalled, but it is Labour who are in charge of planning and enforcement, as they’re (supposedly) running the council. That said, wasn’t Rob Yates part of Labour at the time this was ignored?
Well, if you hadn’t of had a hissy fit and not put in the paper, then most would be none the wiser…..
Eh? Who’s this aimed at?
Appalling thanet council has no cate for the wildlife or climate just cut it all down sell the parks build flats underhanded deals dreadful news always
I am shocked and alarmed by this. Before I issue any clear criticism, I’m talking to TDC officers about how it came about. Regardless, I will support residents to the best of my ability, to redress the situation.
I am very sad we’ve lost another 40 of Thanet’s few remaining trees. It makes no sense to me that such a breach should be allowed and I can’t see why we don’t require the landowner to do everything possible to put it right.