Forest certification
The Forest Service estate has been assessed against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) since 2000. UKWAS certification ensures that the forests and woodlands within the Forest Service estate are sustainably managed to internationally recognised standards.
Background
Forest Service has sustainable forest management at the centre of our forestry policies and operational practices to ensure the economic, environmental and social resources of the forest estate are protected and enhanced for present and future generations. The Forest Service estate is assessed against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) by an independent audit process. This has resulted in our forests and woodlands being certified under both the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) systems.
The purpose of forest certification is to provide the consumer with an assurance that commodities such as timber come from sustainably managed woodlands and in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS)
Forest certification requires forestry practices to be independently audited against an agreed standard. In the UK, the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) provides a single, widely accepted benchmark for forest certification schemes.
The participation of stakeholders in developing the Standard which encompassed economic, environmental and social interests has contributed to its widespread credibility and acceptance. It sets out the requirements which must be met by forest and woodland owners and managers, in order to obtain certification.
UKWAS is fully endorsed by both the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Therefore, the FSC® and PEFC labels can be displayed on products from certified forests in the UK where forest management is in compliance with the UKWAS.
Certification of Forest Service
A public summary of the audit is available to download from the FSC® website or PEFC website. Forest Service is certified to both FSC® and PEFC requirements – with the associated licences:
- FSC® Licence code: FSC-C084232
- PEFC Licence code: PEFC/16-40-1924