Overview
A new (5th) edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), agreed by all four countries, has now been published following a comprehensive review process.
The UKFS is the technical standard for forestry across the UK, providing the foundation for sustainable forest management. It reflects improvements in scientific knowledge, developments in international approaches to forestry, new or amended legislation, and updated best forestry practices.
Endorsed by all UK governments, the UKFS balances environmental, economic, and social objectives.
A 12-month transition period is in place for guidance updates, familiarisation with the new edition, and finalisation of draft woodland plans. This aims to minimise business disruption, especially regarding plant supply and alternative productive species.
Implementation Date
The new 5th edition (2023) will be applied from 1st October 2024. Until then, the 4th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (2017) should be used.
More information on how we will be managing applications through the change can be found in our information for applicants and stakeholders and our reference table for managing the UKFS change.
The UKFS review process
The review project that began in February 2021 has now finished. You can read a summary of the review process to produce the 5th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (October 2023), including how stakeholders were consulted.
Contact
Please refer to the relevant advice and information on implementing the UKFS in each country as follows:
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in England (Forestry Commission)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Northern Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Scotland (Scottish Forestry / Coilltearachd na h-Alba)
- Advice and information on implementing the UKFS in Wales (Natural Resources Wales / Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru)