1. Background and Purpose 2. Use of the certification standard 3. Structure of the certification standard 4. Procedures for use of the certification standard 5. Interpretation and revision of the certification standard

6.1 Protection of rare species, habitats and natural resources 6.2 Maintenance of biodiversity and ecological functions 6.3 Conservation of semi-natural woodlands and plantations on ancient woodland sites 6.4 Game management

7.1 Consultation 7.2 Woodland access and recreation including traditional and permissive use rights 7.3 Rural economy 7.4 Minimising adverse impacts

8. Forestry workforce

8.1 Health and safety 8.2 Training and continuing development 8.3 Workers’ rights 8.4 Insurance

Glossary of Terms Appendix: References

Key

The following abbreviations have been used throughout the text to highlight sources of additional information. More info.

Managment
Planning

Biodiversity
Action Plan

Forest
Reproductive
Material
Regulations

References

Conservation and enhancement of biodiversity

6.4Game management
6.4.1	Requirement Hunting, game rearing and shooting and fishing shall be carried out in accordance with conditions, where they are in force, and the recommendations and codes of practice produced by relevant associations. Means of verification All woodlands: Relevant permissions and leases Discussions with the owner/manager/responsible person demonstrate awareness of the law and good practice Discussions with interested parties Field observation. Non-SLIM woodlands: A written guideline or policy.
6.4.2	Requirement Shooting of native game and quarry species, excluding deer, shall be at a level which does not threaten the viability of the local population of the species (see section 5.1.5 in relation to deer). Means of verification List of species hunted or shot and the number of animals killed Evidence that the owner or manager has considered impacts on game species’ populations No evidence that local bans have been contravened.	Guidance Species which currently have local or regional restrictions on shooting include Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). Check against relevant UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) or Species Action Plans (SAPs).
6.4.3	Requirement Game management shall not be sufficiently intense to cause long-term or widespread negative impacts on the woodland ecosystem. Means of verification Management planning documentation and specific game management plans Field inspection.	Guidance Feeding and rearing areas should be located in areas where there will be low impact on ground flora. Predator control should be: Carefully planned Species-specific Only carried out where strictly necessary Carried out with minimal suffering Reducing rather than eradicating natural predator populations Carried out without the use of snares within Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) woodlands.

6.4Game management

6.4.1

Requirement

Hunting, game rearing and shooting and fishing shall be carried out in accordance with conditions, where they are in force, and the recommendations and codes of practice produced by relevant associations.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Relevant permissions and leases
Discussions with the owner/manager/responsible person demonstrate awareness of the law and good practice
Discussions with interested parties
Field observation.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

A written guideline or policy.

6.4.2

Requirement

Shooting of native game and quarry species, excluding deer, shall be at a level which does not threaten the viability of the local population of the species (see section 5.1.5 in relation to deer).

Means of verification

List of species hunted or shot and the number of animals killed
Evidence that the owner or manager has considered impacts on game species’ populations
No evidence that local bans have been contravened.

Guidance

Species which currently have local or regional restrictions on shooting include Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix).

Check against relevant UK Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) or Species Action Plans (SAPs).

6.4.3

Requirement

Game management shall not be sufficiently intense to cause long-term or widespread negative impacts on the woodland ecosystem.

Means of verification

Management planning documentation and specific game management plans
Field inspection.

Guidance

Feeding and rearing areas should be located in areas where there will be low impact on ground flora.

Predator control should be:

Carefully planned
Species-specific
Only carried out where strictly necessary
Carried out with minimal suffering
Reducing rather than eradicating natural predator populations
Carried out without the use of snares within Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) woodlands.