While FSC Forest Management Certificate Holders (FM CHs) remain certified under UKWAS 4 the release of UKWAS 5 as a PEFC compliant standard resulted in further feedback from PEFC and dual certified Certificate Holders regarding clauses 4.10.1b and 4.10.1c relating to the placement of game release pens within High Conservation Values areas (HCVs).
This resulted in an evidence review and discussion at the last UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) steering group meeting on 8th May, the following press release was issued by UKWAS on 19th May regarding Clause 4.10.1c of the ‘Game-rearing, shooting and fisheries management’ section of UKWAS 5.0, which became effective as a PEFC only standard on 1st December 2024.
UKWAS Responds to Concerns over New Game-Release Pen Requirement
In direct response to concerns raised by woodland owners and managers, a new requirement introduced in UKWAS 5.0 is to be reviewed.
UKWAS chair, Ben Gunneberg, said: We had a very constructive and positive steering group meeting at which it was agreed to revisit requirement 4.10.1 c) which requires that existing game-release pens in areas of high conservation value are taken out of use over time.
‘This new requirement has troubled a number of woodland managers especially those in lowland areas, so I am very pleased with the outcome of our discussions; these show the UKWAS consensus-building process at its very best.’
The UKWAS revision group is to reconvene to address users’ concerns and consider amendment of the requirement. External experts have been invited to attend and inform discussions.
Ben explained: The aim of the requirement was to prevent negative impacts on ground flora and fauna on high conservation sites such as ancient woodlands and other protected areas. The aim remains, but the revision group will explore whether a more nuanced approach might be more appropriate and practicable for forest managers.’ Ben continued: ‘I look forward to seeing the revision group’s recommendations in due course’.
The press release is also available on the UKWAS website here.
Any amendment to the requirement is considered a formal revision of UKWAS 5.0 and so needs to be carried out in accordance with the UKWAS Standard Setting Process. The first step will be for the chamber-balanced UKWAS Revision Working Group to reconvene to discuss and agree any recommended revision to the requirement. The initial meeting will take place on 23rd June 2025.
As well as 4.10.1c, a potential revision to the new UKWAS 5 requirement 4.10.1b which requires that all new game-release pens are located outside areas of high conservation value was also discussed during the UKWAS steering group meeting. It was agreed, by a vote, that this requirement should remain unchanged.
In the light of the above FSC FM CH’s should note that FSC UK remains committed to looking to achieve alignment with any revision of the requirement 4.10.1c, including any revised action dates, for the future FSC compliant UKWAS 5. This clearly being subject to any revision remaining FSC compliant and obtaining approval.