Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 163
Resource Forestry England appropriately to ensure new woodland compliance with UKFS throughout its lifetime.
Conclusion
The Government aims to increase tree-cover expansion at rates not seen for decades in order to deliver a range of ecosystem service benefits. To ensure that these benefits are realised, and to deliver the Government’s vision for increased woodland cover, Forestry England must be resourced appropriately so as to ensure that new woodland is compliant with the UKFS at establishment stage and throughout the lifetime of the woodland.
Government Response Summary
The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to review and ensure appropriate resourcing for UKFS compliance.
Paragraph Reference:
163
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Forestry England use three independent certification schemes (Forest Stewardship Council [FSC], Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification [PEFC] and Grown in Britain [GIB]) to demonstrate that their forests are managed sustainably. These schemes go over and above many of the requirements set out in the UKFS. Most retailers insist on certified wood in their supply chains and around 80% of softwood reaching market in the UK is independently certified. Forestry England were early adopters of these schemes and have helped promote sustainable forestry internationally since the UKFS was introduced in 1997. Forestry England continue to lead the way in sustainable forest management and have a strong track record in adapting woodlands affected by pests and diseases and building resilience to climate change.