David Terence Jones of Pen yr Heol Las Farm was convicted of failing to comply with an enforcement notice issued by Forestry Commission Wales to replant nearly 1.5ha of woodland on his land at Coed y Brain, Caerphilly.

Abertilley magistrates fined Jones after he re-seeded the area with grass after cutting down the trees, despite an offer of grant aid from Forestry Commission Wales.

Jones was originally convicted of felling the area without a licence at Blackwood Magistrates Court in 2006.

Forestry Commission Wales then issued a restocking notice on the land and a subsequent appeal by Jones was dismissed at Cardiff Crown Court.

However, he failed to replant the cleared woodland with trees and was convicted of failing to comply with an enforcement notice at Abertillery Magistrates Court.

Forestry Commission Wales woodland officer Alan Hubbuck said: "This case clearly demonstrates the consequences of illegal felling.

"If you are unsure as to whether you require a licence, contact Forestry Commission Wales for guidance before starting any tree felling."

Jones was fined £525 for felling the trees and ordered to pay £7,800 in costs.

 

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