FSC UK Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The afternoon began with FSC UK's Annual Members’ Meeting. After the various formal resolutions, there were short presentations about the three projects funded by FSC UK’s Impact Investment Fund. Marc Jessel, FSC International’s Chief Engagement Officer, provided an overview of FSC’s global priorities, the upcoming FSC General Assembly and the evolving principles and criteria that underpin FSC standards. This was followed by a special anniversary programme, featuring a series of inspiring talks highlighting how FSC has grown over the past 30 years. Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea accompanied by forest-themed music and nostalgic songs from 1995, the year FSC UK was founded. 

Hubert Kwisthout, Founding Member of FSC 

Hubert shared his personal journey, which all started when he was trying to source sustainable timber to make Irish bagpipes in the 1980s. His timber importer business collaborated with community forest projects and helped to establish FSC. His story highlighted the power of collaboration and the role of third-party verification of responsible forestry. He ended his talk with a heartfelt folk song played on his pipes. 

Mark Wright, WWF UK 

WWF were instrumental in FSC’s foundation. Mark reminded attendees that while the day was a celebration, forests remain under threat. He emphasised the urgency of combating deforestation and the critical role FSC plays in protecting biodiversity and supporting climate resilience, stating that “FSC is more important now than it was 30 years ago.”  

Hannah Scrase, First Director of FSC UK 

Hannah reflected on some of the challenges in the early years of FSC UK, including working with no budget and navigating industry scepticism. She celebrated key milestones such as the first General Assembly and the approval of the development of the Forest Stewardship Standard through the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). 

Peter Wilson, UKWAS 

Peter recounted the tensions of the 1990s between woodland owners and environmental groups, and how these led to the development of the UK Forestry Standard and UKWAS. He praised the partnerships formed and noted that 44% of UK forests are now FSC-certified in the UK. 

Gordon Pfetscher & Sonia Lorenzo Martin, Woodland Trust  

In 1998, the Woodland Trust became the first major landowner in the UK to achieve FSC forest management certification. Gordon highlighted their ongoing commitment to FSC. Sonia outlined the recent developments with FSC Verified Impact and success stories from their pilot sites at Brynau Farm in South Wales and Snaizeholme in North Yorkshire, emphasising the importance of multi-partner projects and funding. 

Olivia Phillips, Canary Wharf Group 

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer behind the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, transforming 128 acres in London’s Docklands. Olivia spoke about the role of FSC certification in sustainable construction, noting that over 20,000m³ of FSC-certified timber has been used by CWG so far. She described FSC as a symbol of commitment, assurance, and quality in responsible sourcing. 

Tony Di Gravio & Paul Heaton, Pirelli UK 

Pirelli are the only remaining tyre manufacturer in the UK and Tony and Paul shared their journey toward sustainability. Pirelli produced the first tyre with FSC-certified rubber content and is collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover on a tyre made with FSC-certified rubber and 70% recycled materials. They called for more collaboration across industries to help drive change. 

Rosie Teasdale, Executive Director of FSC UK, closed the speeches with thanks to all contributors and attendees. The event was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call for continued action and innovation in forest stewardship. 

As FSC UK enters its fourth decade, the message is clear: the work is far from over, and the commitment to forests, people, and the planet is stronger than ever.