UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)



Summary of the review process to produce the 5th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (October 2023)

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the technical standard for forestry across the UK, designed to help deliver sustainable forest management.

A new (5th) edition of the UKFS has been published following a comprehensive review process.

This new edition is the basis for forestry regulation and monitoring in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and has been endorsed by all governments in the UK.


The UK Forestry Standard

The United Kingdom Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the reference standard for sustainable forest management in the UK. It outlines the context for forestry, sets out the approach of the UK governments to sustainable forest management, defines standards and requirements, and provides a basis for regulation and monitoring – including national and international reporting.


The UK Forestry Standard  - The governments' approach to sustainable forestry (5th edition)

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the technical standard for sustainable forest management in the UK.

It sets out the approach of the four governments of the UK and defines the requirements and provides guidance for foresters on how to practise sustainable forest management in the UK. In this way, it provides a basis for operating grant schemes and official controls and support for regulatory processes.

It also provides the foundation for a number of voluntary certification and quality assurance schemes used in the UK, and for assessing compliance with environmental management standards.