Forestry Commission
The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the technical standard for sustainable forest management across the UK, and applies to all woodland, regardless of who owns or manages it.
The 5th edition applies from 1 October 2024 for all woodland creation and management activity in England. This followed a 12-month transition period to allow relevant guidance to be updated and draft woodland plans to be finalised.
Grant applications and regulatory approvals received before 1 October 2024 will be assessed using the 4th edition. Existing approvals under the 4th edition remain valid.
Updated good forestry practice requirements will be applied to existing woodland plan approvals at the time of their next renewal.
The UKFS 5th edition was published on 3 Oct 2023 following the completion of an extensive review process. Read further information on the review process, including consultation responses at Scottish Forestry UK Forestry Standard.
UKFS 4th edition
You can read the previous UK Forestry Standard (4th edition) at The National Archives.
Purpose of the UKFS
The UKFS is based on sustainable forest management criteria agreed internationally and implemented in a way that is appropriate to the UK. It is intended to be used by professional foresters such as forest owners, managers and practitioners, regulators and advisers. It will also be of interest to other land managers and stakeholders.
The UKFS outlines the context for forestry in the UK. It defines the requirements and provides a basis for regulation and monitoring, including national and international reporting.
The UKFS covers important elements of sustainable forest management, including:
- biodiversity
- climate change
- historic environment
- landscape
- people
- soil
- water
Implementing the UKFS
The main bodies responsible for regulating, monitoring and implementing the UKFS are:
- The Forestry Commission (England)
- Scottish Forestry
- Natural Resources Wales
- Northern Ireland Forest Service
These bodies assess forestry proposals against the UKFS before giving approval, and carry out checks to ensure woodland owners and managers comply with forestry regulations. Arrangements for implementing and monitoring the standard will vary between the 4 countries.