Examining the scope for extending income averaging to forestry clear-felling profits was included in the Recommendations of the Agri-taxation Review, which was published as part of Budget 2015. In Budget 2016 it was decided to remove forestry income altogether from the "High Earners Restriction" for active foresters and farmers. This means that the profits earned from clear-felling will not be subject to income tax.
This is a very positive development for Forest owners. The precise details will be made clear in the Finance Bill.