New UKFS edition released after comprehensive review

By Sam Guthrie, Forester

A new (5th) edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) has been published following an extensive review process.

This latest update reflects the improvements in scientific knowledge, developments in international approaches to forestry, new or amended legislation, and new information about best forestry practice.

Enforced across all four UK nations, the UKFS is the reference standard for all foresters to follow, ensuring new forests and woodlands are sustainable – balancing environmental, economic, and social interests. It applies to all woodland, regardless of who owns or manages it.

A prerequisite for the approval of forest plans, felling and replanting operations, woodland creation proposals and forestry grants, is that forest owners, managers and contractors are responsible for ensuring that forest operations and activities are delivered in accordance with the UKFS.

Additionally, the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) certification builds on the foundations set out by the UKFS. Benefits of achieving certification can include higher prices and easier movement of certified timber.

But what does it all mean for forest managers?

As you might expect given government emphasis on tackling climate change and nature loss, sustainability is front and centre of this refresh, with biosecurity, tree pests and deer control at the heart of this new edition.

Importantly, the guidance aims to make forests more resilient to a changing climate and the increased risk of pests and diseases so they can continue to deliver multiple benefits.

Where necessary, good practice requirements have been amended or added to encourage more direct action to ensure forests remain, healthy, vibrant habitats providing timber and a range of environmental benefits to help meet net-zero ambitions.

 Key changes include:

• The maximum proportion of a single species specified will be reduced from 75% to 65%. This will further diversify the range of species in woodland creation and restocking. Forest Plans submitted after October 1st 2024 will be required to show a transition to the new proportions over time.

• Requirements to use deer management plans more widely to reduce browsing pressure to acceptable levels and enable the use of natural regeneration.

• Requirements to plan and implement biosecurity measures across managed land to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading pests and diseases.

A 12-month transition period is now in place to allow guidance to be updated, users to become familiar with the new edition, and draft woodland plans to be finalised. It will be applied from October 1st 2024.

The new (5th) edition of the UKFS is available on the Scottish Forestry website.