M锘縜n told to pay 拢36k for felling trees

Image source, Natural Resources Wales

Image caption, About half a hectare of woodland, known locally as Tanlan Banks, was cut down illegally

A锘 man has been ordered to pay more than 拢36,000 after admitting to chopping down part of a woodland.

P锘縠ter Lee, 47, from Bodedern, Anglesey, cut down half a hectare of woodland in an area known as Tanlan Banks, near Prestatyn, Denbighshire, in December 2021.

N锘縜tural Resources Wales (NRW) said the site was also levelled with rubble and soils.

L锘縠e pleaded guilty to an offence under the Forestry Act at Mold Crown Court on 20 September.

H锘縠 was fined 拢27,679.68 and ordered to pay costs of 拢9,127.05.

C锘縜llum Stone, from NRW, said: 鈥淢r Lee showed a blatant disregard for the law with his actions by felling a much-loved local woodland.

鈥淲oodland loss is a significant threat to habitats and the species they support.

鈥淭o fell trees a licence may be needed 鈥 this is to ensure the felling is done responsibly and areas are replanted if needed."

Image source, Natural Resources Wales

Image caption, T锘縭ees were cut and the area was then levelled, Natural Resources Wales said