Concerns Grow over Tree Felling on Loseley Estate During Bird-nesting Season

Published on: 3 May, 2025
Updated on: 4 May, 2025

An aerial view shows the extent of the felling.

By Martin Giles

Tree felling on the Loseley Estate near Compton during the bird-nesting season is creating growing concern among local residents.

Yesterday a resident reported that there had been a second visit by Surrey Police, who were investigating further at the behest the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU – a national police unit that gathers intelligence on wildlife crime).

The Guildford Dragon NEWS was told by Surrey Police that when they conducted their initial visit, following complaints, they had been unable to identify any offences.

Although widely regarded as crucial to avoid disturbing or harming nesting birds and their nests, felling trees during the bird nesting season is not inherently illegal.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects wild birds, their nests, and eggs, and it’s an offence to intentionally damage or destroy an active nest. But obtaining specific evidence that birds are being injured or killed is difficult.

Aerial photo showing location of felling at Bummoor Copse. (A previous aerial photo published showed an incorrect location. We apologise for our error.)

The matter was raised with the Forestry Commission last month by local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt following a letter sent to him by a concerned resident. Responding, Sir Jeremy wrote, “Thank you for writing to me – it may not surprise you to know that you are not the only person to raise their concerns about this situation.

Sir Jeremy Hunt MP

“I brought this serious matter to the urgent attention of Richard Stanford, Chief Executive, and Crispin Thorn, Secretary to the Commissioners, both at the Forestry Commission UK and recently received a response.”

In its response, the Commission emphasised key regulatory requirements that all woodland management must follow, potentially signalling an investigation into recent activities at the estate.

It said: “We have clear guidelines regarding the timing of operations, particularly during bird nesting season, which must comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981” and highlighted obligations under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 relating to European Protected Species.

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Extracts from the Forestry Commission response to Jeremy Hunt

It also clarified that approved thinning operations must be “implemented evenly across the felling site” and cannot “exceed 30 per cent of the total number of trees or remove more than 30 per cent of the original canopy cover per operation.” The statement warned that exceeding this threshold “may constitute a breach of the Licence.”

Local residents, who have reported extensive logging since the start of April, have expressed concern that operations appear far more extensive than standard thinning practices would permit. The timing coincides with peak nesting season and bluebell flowering, raising questions about compliance with wildlife protection laws.

The Commission’s statement also addressed restoration requirements, noting that when natural regeneration is specified, “ground conditions must be maintained to facilitate and secure natural regeneration.”

Environmental groups point out that the area’s bluebell colonies, which take 5-7 years to establish and represent part of the UK’s globally significant population, may struggle to recover if soil conditions have been compromised by heavy machinery.

A photo taken of what appear to be felled oak trees in Bummoor Copse

Silveroaks Forestry, who are carrying out the tree-felling, told the BBC this week that the trees removed posed a potential long-term risk to the public and properties, or were diseased and that an ecological survey was also undertaken before the start of the works, which would improve the long-term wildlife habitat of the woodland.

But Catherine Masterman, a local resident, said: “We have all heard the large trees falling for weeks now. Part of me dies inside each time I think about it. That woodland was where I went in all joys and sorrows.

“Every day you used to hear woodpeckers and you can’t now. All of our local ecological systems will be affected by this. The birds in our gardens rely on those woods. Our natural heritage is something we share and should be cherished.”

Compton Parish Council are now inviting residents to attend their Annual Parish Meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, May 7, at the Compton Club.

It is understood that the Parish Council has contacted Loseley Estate and the Forestry Commission. It is expected that at the meeting residents will be able to hear what responses have been received as well as updates about various communications that some concerned residents have already had with relevant authorities and stakeholders since the tree-felling started almost one month ago.

The Dragon invited Loseley Estate to comment but no response has been received.

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