The UK Forestry Standard

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the reference standard for sustainable forest management in the UK. The UKFS, supported by its series of Guidelines, outlines the context for forestry in the UK, sets out the approach of the UK governments to sustainable forest management, defines standards and requirements, and provides a basis for regulation and monitoring.

Practising sustainable forestry means managing our forests in a way that meets our needs at present but that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. They will rightly expect that their forests and woodlands offer at least the same benefits and opportunities as we enjoy today. At the heart of the UKFS approach is the importance of balancing the environmental, economic and social benefits of forests and the recognition that our forests serve a wide range of objectives. The Guidelines publications define sustainable forest management in the UK under a series of subject areas. The UKFS requirements have been set out in each and guidance given on how to achieve them.

The UKFS Guidelines series covers the following subject areas:

•Biodiversity
•Climate change
•Historic environment
•Landscape
•People
•Soil
•Water

Click on the images at the bottom of the page to go to individual guidelines.

General Forestry Practice is covered by the UKFS itself as it is common to all elements of sustainable forest management.

The UKFS and Guidelines have been developed by the Forestry Commission in Great Britain and the Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. The UKFS and Guidelines have been endorsed by the UK and country governments and apply to all UK forests and woodlands. Together with the national forestry policies and strategies of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UKFS provides a framework for the delivery of international agreements on sustainable forest management, alongside policies on implementation.