Newquay, Cornwall landowner dug up woodland illegally

A landowner who destroyed trees in established woodland on his property without permission will have to pay more than £3,000 after admitting the offence.

John Richards, aged 56, of Goonbarn Cottage, Trendeal Farm, Summercourt, Newquay admitted felling a growing tree without a licence when he appeared via videolink at Truro Magistrates' Court last week.

He was fined £3,000, ordered to pay a surcharge of £190 and crown prosecution costs of £85 for digging up trees without a licence issued by the appropriate forestry authority between October 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021.