Some local and national authorities are empowered to fell trees for purposes of safety or access. local authorities can cut back or fell trees and bushes which obscure public rights of way, including footpaths, or which obstruct light from street lamps or the sightlines of car drivers. Railway authorities, land drainage authorities, electricity authorities and BT can require removal of trees or parts of trees which may obstruct railways, rivers banks, power lines or telephone lines. Similar powers are available to providers of water, gas and oil, and airport authorities, to prevent risk of accident or damage to the installation, or to provide access to service routes.
The presence of overhead or underground services can influence woodland work, and any tree planting or other management in the vicinity of such services may require the permission of the appropriate authority.
