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

Protection and Maintenance

5.4Fencing
5.4.1	Requirement Where appropriate, wildlife management and control shall be used in preference to fencing. Means of verification Discussion with the owner/manager.	Guidance This requirement is especially important in areas where Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) are present.
5.4.2	Requirement Where fences are used, alignment shall be designed to minimise impacts on access (particularly public rights of way), landscape, wildlife and historic environment sites. Means of verification All woodlands: Field visits to verify alignments chosen. SLIM woodlands: Discussions with the owner/manager demonstrate an awareness of impacts of fence alignments and of the alternatives. Non-SLIM woodlands: Documented policy or guidelines regarding any specific significant impacts; or Expert advice sought for one-off fencing operations.	Guidance Decisions to erect fences and their alignment should take account of: Landscape Public rights of way Existing users of the woodland Wildlife especially woodland grouse The historic environment.

5.4Fencing

5.4.1

Requirement

Where appropriate, wildlife management and control shall be used in preference to fencing.

Means of verification

Discussion with the owner/manager.

Guidance

This requirement is especially important in areas where Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) are present.

5.4.2

Requirement

Where fences are used, alignment shall be designed to minimise impacts on access (particularly public rights of way), landscape, wildlife and historic environment sites.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Field visits to verify alignments chosen.

SLIM woodlands:

Discussions with the owner/manager demonstrate an awareness of impacts of fence alignments and of the alternatives.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Documented policy or guidelines regarding any specific significant impacts; or
Expert advice sought for one-off fencing operations.

Guidance

Decisions to erect fences and their alignment should take account of:

Landscape
Public rights of way
Existing users of the woodland
Wildlife especially woodland grouse
The historic environment.