AN INVESTIGATION by a government body into the felling of trees on the shore of Windermere is still ongoing.

The Forestry Commission are carrying out an investigation into the cutting down of trees next to the water.

The body previously served a restocking notice after trees were axed. The notice compels the individual to restock the land with trees.

Failure to comply will result in an enforcement notice being issued.

A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, previously described the cutting down of trees on the shore of the lake as an ‘act of unspeakable vandalism’.

Images show how a section of trees next to the water had been felled over a period of time prompting reactions of ‘shock’ and ‘anger’ among residents.

The Forestry Commission previously said it would inspect the site to ensure that the conditions of the restocking notice have been met.

A local previously said: “The felling of the trees strikes us and indeed thousands of visitors to the Lake District who pass that section of the shoreline several times a day as an act of unspeakable ignorant vandalism.”

In the UK it is an offence to fell licensable trees without having obtained a licence or other valid permission. This can mean, on conviction, an unlimited fine.

Residents are also concerned about the impact on wildlife in the area as they say the felling of trees has caused the removal of habitat for many animals and birds.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority said: “The planning system does not control the felling of trees at this site. This is instead regulated by the Forestry Act. We are supporting the Forestry Commission with their investigation.”