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

Operations

4.3Forest roads
4.3.1	Requirement For new roads, all necessary consents shall be obtained. Means of verification Records of consents Environmental assessment where required.	Guidance Where new roads are planned, a documented evaluation should be made to achieve a balance between timber extraction distances and road density, which takes into account the impact on the environment. Non-timber activities also need to be taken into account, e.g. access for sporting.
4.3.2	Requirement Roads and timber extraction tracks and associated drainage shall be designed, created, used and maintained in a manner that minimises their environmental impact. Means of verification All woodlands: Documented plans for the design and creation of permanent roads and tracks Control systems for the creation and use of temporary tracks and extraction routes Field observation. Non-SLIM woodlands: Documented maintenance plans.	Guidance Particular attention should be paid to: Avoiding features of historic environment, biological, geological or cultural value Use of bridges, arches or culverts to cross water courses Ensuring that verges and ditches are created and managed to promote their habitat value Materials used, especially rock type, are in keeping with the ecology of the woodland Avoiding erosion and adverse impacts on water systems and wildlife habitats Careful landscaping of roads, both internally and externally Use of brash mats.

4.3Forest roads

4.3.1

Requirement

For new roads, all necessary consents shall be obtained.

Means of verification

Records of consents
Environmental assessment where required.

Guidance

Where new roads are planned, a documented evaluation should be made to achieve a balance between timber extraction distances and road density, which takes into account the impact on the environment. Non-timber activities also need to be taken into account, e.g. access for sporting.

4.3.2

Requirement

Roads and timber extraction tracks and associated drainage shall be designed, created, used and maintained in a manner that minimises their environmental impact.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Documented plans for the design and creation of permanent roads and tracks
Control systems for the creation and use of temporary tracks and extraction routes
Field observation.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Documented maintenance plans.

Guidance

Particular attention should be paid to:

Avoiding features of historic environment, biological, geological or cultural value
Use of bridges, arches or culverts to cross water courses
Ensuring that verges and ditches are created and managed to promote their habitat value
Materials used, especially rock type, are in keeping with the ecology of the woodland
Avoiding erosion and adverse impacts on water systems and wildlife habitats
Careful landscaping of roads, both internally and externally
Use of brash mats.