The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)

The standard provides the foundation for sustainable forest management.

Compliance with the UKFS is a prior condition for getting:

• grant support

• permission to fell and plant trees in Scotland

Compliance will also be checked and monitored whilst the permission is valid.

The (5th) edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) was published in 2023, following a thorough review. This has been the new standard for all forestry operations since 1st October 2024.

The new edition balances environmental, economic, and social objectives, and reflects:

• improvements in scientific knowledge

• new developments in international approaches to forestry

• new or amended legislation

• updated best forestry practices

This document covers key aspects of sustainable forest management. You must consider your obligations across:

• general Forestry Practice

• biodiversity

• climate Change

• historic Environment

• landscape

• people

• soil

• water

Endorsed by all UK governments, the UKFS:

• underpins the approach to sustainable forest management

• sets out specific requirements and guidelines

• provides a basis for regulation and monitoring

The standard also ensures the application of international agreements and conventions in the UK, for example, on:

• sustainable forest management

• climate change

• biodiversity

• the protection of water resources are applied in the UK

The standard covers:

• all UK forestry activities, operations, and situations

• all woodlands, regardless of who owns or manages them

• the entire forest environment, including trees, open areas, and water bodies

• the creation and management of existing forests

The following government bodies are responsible for implementing the UKFS:

• Scottish Forestry

• Forestry Commission (England)

• Natural Resources Wales

• Northern Ireland Forest Service

These bodies:

• assess forestry proposals against the UKFS before approving them

• check that woodland owners and managers follow forestry regulations

The four countries will have different plans to implement and monitor the standard.