Golf courses, trees and your legal responsibilities

Golf courses often contain significant tree cover and woodland features that contribute to both the playing experience and the wider environment. However, the management of trees carries important legal responsibilities, particularly where felling, woodland management or new planting proposals are concerned. This seminar will provide an introduction to the Forestry Act 1967 and explain how felling regulations apply to golf courses, including exemptions, licensing requirements and the circumstances in which consent may be needed before undertaking tree felling.

The seminar will explore the evidence and record-keeping needed to demonstrate compliance, helping clubs avoid unlawful felling and understand their responsibilities as landowners and managers. It will also highlight how proactive tree and woodland management can enhance biodiversity, improve resilience to pests, diseases and climate change, and maintain the amenity value that trees bring to golfers and visitors

Finally, delegates will be introduced to opportunities for tree planting and woodland creation, together with an overview of current grants and funding mechanisms that may support environmental improvements on golf courses.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how the Forestry Act 1967 applies to trees and woodlands on golf courses
• Identify when a felling licence is required and recognise key exemptions
• Understand the importance of evidence, record-keeping and regulatory compliance
• Recognise the role of good tree and woodland management in delivering biodiversity and amenity benefits
• Explore opportunities for tree planting, woodland creation and available grant funding