Sustainability and Forest Certification
Fountains Forestry has supported the UK Forestry Standard since its introduction in 1998.
Since 2001, Fountains Forestry has been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®C008961) certification as a Resource Group Manager, meeting the FSC’s international management standard.
Preparation of Certification Plan – As commercial forests managed by Fountains Forestry approach maturity, they will normally be certified in accordance with the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) also meeting the standards of the FSC.
The standard means that whilst growing and managing forests and woodlands for our clients, we always aim to maintain, and wherever possible enhance:
- Basic biological productivity of soils
- Quality of the atmosphere
- Biological diversity of a site
- Security of scarce or special species and habitats
- Conservation of historic and cherished landscapes, important archaeological and historical features
In preparing management plans, Fountains Forestry complies with the UK Forestry Standard for sustainable management, as well as all other requirements of the Forestry Commission. It is becoming increasingly common for the Certification Plan to form an Appendix to the Long Term Forest Plan prepared for the Forestry Commission thereby avoiding a significant amount of duplication and cost. Thereafter, Fountains Forestry provides ongoing management and maintenance services in accordance with the Plan. A number of forests managed by Fountains Forestry, chosen randomly, are independently audited by the Certifying Body each year.
