Notices to Users Foreword Introduction

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. The community

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

4.2Harvest operations
4.2.1	Requirement Harvesting operations shall conform to all relevant FC forestry practice guidance. Means of verification All woodlands: Field observations Discussions with the owner/manager and forestry workforce. Non-SLIM woodlands: Monitoring and internal audit records.
4.2.2	Requirement Timber shall be harvested efficiently and with minimum loss or damage. Means of verification Field observation.	Guidance Harvesting should particularly seek to avoid: Damage to soil and water courses during felling, extraction and burning Damage to standing trees during felling, extraction and burning Timber degrade. Thinning to waste may be appropriate in some circumstances.
4.2.3	Requirement Lop and top shall be burnt only where there is demonstrable management benefit, after full consideration of impacts. Means of verification SLIM woodlands: Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered Evidence of registration of exempt activity. Non-SLIM woodlands: Documented appraisal Evidence of registration of exempt activity.	Guidance If lop and top is burned: The location and density of fire sites should be carefully planned Some lop and top should be left unburned as habitat except where it will result in pest or disease problems. Burning on site must be registered as an exempt activity with the statutory environment protection agencies in accordance with the Waste Management Regulations 1994 (plus amendments).
4.2.4	Requirement Whole tree harvesting or stump removal shall not be practised where it is likely to have significant negative effects. Means of verification SLIM woodlands: Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered. Non-SLIM woodlands: Documented appraisal.	Guidance Significant negative impacts to consider include: Leaching Soil compaction Nutrient loss Damage to historical features and archaeological deposits. Operator safety should be considered.

4.2Harvest operations

4.2.1

Requirement

Harvesting operations shall conform to all relevant FC forestry practice guidance.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Field observations
Discussions with the owner/manager and forestry workforce.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Monitoring and internal audit records.

4.2.2

Requirement

Timber shall be harvested efficiently and with minimum loss or damage.

Means of verification

Field observation.

Guidance

Harvesting should particularly seek to avoid:

Damage to soil and water courses during felling, extraction and burning
Damage to standing trees during felling, extraction and burning
Timber degrade.

Thinning to waste may be appropriate in some circumstances.

4.2.3

Requirement

Lop and top shall be burnt only where there is demonstrable management benefit, after full consideration of impacts.

Means of verification

SLIM woodlands:

Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered
Evidence of registration of exempt activity.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Documented appraisal
Evidence of registration of exempt activity.

Guidance

If lop and top is burned:

The location and density of fire sites should be carefully planned
Some lop and top should be left unburned as habitat except where it will result in pest or disease problems.

Burning on site must be registered as an exempt activity with the statutory environment protection agencies in accordance with the Waste Management Regulations 1994 (plus amendments).

4.2.4

Requirement

Whole tree harvesting or stump removal shall not be practised where it is likely to have significant negative effects.

Means of verification

SLIM woodlands:

Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Documented appraisal.

Guidance

Significant negative impacts to consider include:

Leaching
Soil compaction
Nutrient loss
Damage to historical features and archaeological deposits.

Operator safety should be considered.