Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Not Addressed
Urgently review Forestry England's resources to ensure sufficient capacity for UKFS compliance.
Recommendation
We further recommend that the Forestry Commission urgently review the resources available to Forestry England so as to ensure that it has sufficient resources to ensure the compliance of woodlands with the UKFS. (Paragraph 166) 80 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and net zero goals Using domestically grown timber to contribute to reach net zero
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 urgently review resources available to Forestry England for UKFS compliance.
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.