Forest Certification
Forest Certification is independently audited and allows Forest Managers and owners to demonstrate that the timber that they grow is produced to the highest environmental standards. With world timber demand set to exceed sustainable supply by 3 to 4 billion cubic meters per year by 2050 and as the UK is the world’s third biggest importer of timber it is essential that the timber we use in the UK is produced responsibly and in line with the highest internationally recognised standards.
The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is the standard, endorsed by both FSC® and PEFC, by which responsible forest management is assessed in the UK.
Group Certification Scheme
Scottish Woodlands is committed to responsible Forest Management and is certified by both Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and PEFC (16-40-1000) to operate a Group Certification Scheme.
The scheme allows us to facilitate certification under the two schemes for our clients enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to responsible Forest Management which also allows them access to certified timber markets.
We encourage owners to join the scheme but membership is voluntary.
Self-declaration to FSC® - completed declaration.
Information for clients
The advantages of the group scheme are that the costs of certification are shared among our woodland owners, which greatly reduces the cost compared to providing individual certification. Certification gives our clients access to certified timber markets which accounts for over 80% of all the timber grown in the UK.
The Scottish Woodlands Environment Team carry out formal assessment and surveillance of our clients’ forests to ensure that management meets the UKWAS standard.
Group Scheme Membership List
By joining the Group Scheme the member:
- Commits to conformance to the certification standard, and
- Has declared an intention to protect and maintain the woodland management unit and its ecological integrity in the short and long term.
A statement of these commitments is included in the membership agreement and is publicly available.
The link below contains the list of current members of our Group Certification Scheme which includes contact details for the relevant Forest Manager.
Anyone who wants more information on planning and operations on a specific property should contact the Forest Manager in the first instance, using the links in the membership list. In the event that any issues cannot be resolved with the Forest Manager then please contact the Head of Certification, Environment and Planning.
(If the property is not listed please contact your local Scottish Woodlands office. It will not be within the certification scheme)
Group Scheme Public Consultation List
The link below gives access to the list of all woodlands currently being evaluated for certification or where Forest Plans are being renewed on already certified forests.
You will require a password to access the relevant documents. Interested parties who have not already received the password should contact the local office to request login details for a particular consultation.
Link to current consultations.
Forest Certification Contact
Megan Parker
Senior Forest Planner
Group Scheme - Information for Members
Existing Group Scheme Members have access to the Contractors’ Area which contains useful information on Health and Safety, Environmental Issues and other management information.
