Gary Boyles, North Devon-based tree surgeon, has pleaded guilty to damaging protected trees at Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple, without necessary consent.

The arborist carried out works at two properties in January and February 2025, where eight trees were found to have had their canopies completely removed.

The trees were protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), which prohibits the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction of trees without written content from the local planning authority.

According to the investigation, no application was made to North Devon Council before work took place and no checks were carried out by Boyles to confirm whether a TPO applied.

Ordered by Barnstaple Magistrates' Court, Boyles has been asked to pay a total o £4,252 - comprising a £1,000 fine, a £400 victim surcharge and £2,852 in costs.

Owners of the properties were also ordered to pay a total fine of £780.

Since, the council urges the public to check if trees have protection orders before carrying out work on them.