Overview
The (5th) edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) was published in 2023. It is the technical standard for forestry across the UK, providing the foundation for sustainable forest management, and will be the standard referenced for all forestry operations from 1st October 2024. It reflects improvements in scientific knowledge, developments in international approaches to forestry, new or amended legislation, and updated best forestry practices.
Endorsed by all UK governments, the UKFS balances environmental, economic, and social objectives. The standard sets out the approach of the UK governments to sustainable forest management by defining requirements and guidelines and providing a basis for regulation and monitoring - including national and international reporting.The standard ensures that international agreements and conventions on areas such as sustainable forest management, climate change, biodiversity and the protection of water resources are applied in the UK.
This document covers key different elements of sustainable forest management:
- General Forestry Practice
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- Historic Environment
- Landscape
- People
- Soil
- Water
Scottish Forestry, Forestry Commission (England), Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Forest Service are the main bodies responsible for implementing the UKFS. These bodies assess forestry proposals against the UKFS before giving approval and carry out checks to ensure woodland owners and managers comply with forestry regulations. The precise arrangements for implementing and monitoring the standard will vary between the four countries.
Implementing the UKFS in Scotland
New proposals
- Projects planned for submission should be prepared to meet the new UKFS (2023). Key updates to the new edition are detailed within the summary of the review process to produce the 5th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (October 2023).
- Application forms and guidance have, and will continue to be updated to reflect the UKFS (2023). Applicants should check for the most recent versions on the Scottish Forestry and Rural Payments and Services FGS webpages before completing an application.
Approved applications
- All applications approved under the UKFS (2017) remain valid for their approval period.
Applications underway
- Any application which was either submitted as a completed application or had completed the public register stage (if applicable) prior to the 1st October 2024 will continue through to assessment under the UKFS (2017) and remain valid for their approval period.
- More information can be found in the reference table for managing the UKFS change.
- Applications underway under the old UKFS (2017) will need to be finalised by 1st April 2025.
- The FGS option guidance version relevant to applications underway, will be accessible as a link on the relevant FGS option pages for reference until 1st April 2025.
Contact
Please refer to the relevant advice and information on implementing the UKFS in each country as follows:
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Scotland (Scottish Forestry / Coilltearachd na h-Alba)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in England (Forestry Commission)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Northern Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Wales (Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru)