UK TIMBER'S GREEN CREDENTIALS

The green credentials of timber harvested from the UK's woodlands have been given a major boost in the findings of a new study.

The independent report undertaken on behalf of all sectors of the UK forest industry has revealed that 80% of timber harvested here is certified as coming from sustainably managed sources.

The results of the study, undertaken by timbertrends, place the UK forest industry at the forefront of sustainable forest management worldwide.

The research focused on industry activity undertaken in 2005 when it was estimated that 8.26 million tonnes of softwood roundwood (conifer) were harvested from UK forests and delivered to saw mills, pulp mills, panel mills and other users.

Of the 8.26 million tonnes harvested just over 6.6 million tonnes met the requirements of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UK WAS) and was certified under the Forest Stewardship Council scheme.

The research confirms the sustainable management culture that exists within the UK industry which less than ten years ago had no certification programme in place.

Stuart Goodall, Executive Director, Policy and Research at ConFor, the body representing the UK's private sector forestry industry, commented:

"These findings underline the sound, sustainable practices adopted by the vast majority of those responsible for managing Britain's forests."

"We are alive to the sensitive role the woodlands under our control play in mitigating the effects of climate change, sustaining the biodiversity of our environment and creating areas of enjoyment for everyone."

"The comprehensive management requirements of meeting certification standards also demonstrate quite clearly that wood is a truly renewable, carbon lean product capable of sustainable production that can combat climate change."

He added:

"Customers increasingly want reassurance that wood is from sustainable sources . The challenge facing the industry and its partners such as the RSPB and the Woodlands Trust is to make the process of certification more accessible to owners of uncertified wood."

The report also makes the point that the uncertified wood comes from forests felled and replanted in accordance with strict Government legislation and management standards. For the owners of small private woods which are well managed, the time and cost involved in the certification process can prove a barrier.

Woodland owners seeking certification against the UK WAS criteria have to meet the requirements of the eight sections of the standard each of which addresses a specific aspect of management.

The sections are:

1. Compliance with the law and conformance with the requirements of the certification standard

2. Management planning

3. Woodland design: creation, felling and replanting

4. Forest management activities

5. Protection and maintenance

6. Conservation and enhancement of biodiversity

7. The community

8. Forestry workforce

The report by timbertrends 'Measuring Timber Certification' can be viewed at: www.confor.org.uk