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

The community

7.4Minimising adverse impacts
7.4.1	Requirement Sites and features of special cultural significance shall be identified and discussed with interested local people, the relevant authorities and interest groups and measures shall be taken to protect them. See also section 7.1.1. Means of verification All woodlands: Any known features mapped and/or documented Discussions with the owner/manager demonstrate rationale for management of relevant sites. Non-SLIM woodlands: Records of consultation with statutory bodies, local authorities and interest groups to identify features Documented plans.	Guidance Typical examples include: Prominent viewing points Landscape features Veteran and other notable trees Historical features and archaeological sites Woodlands which feature in literature or which are of artistic significance Historic landscapes and woodlands which are still managed under traditional systems.
7.4.2	Requirement The owner/manager shall mitigate the risks to public health and safety and the wider impacts of woodland operations on local people. Means of verification All woodlands: No evidence of legal non-compliance Evidence that complaints have been dealt with constructively. Non-SLIM woodlands: Documented evidence that owners/managers have considered actual and potential impacts of operations on local people and interest groups and have taken reasonable steps to mitigate them.	Guidance Examples of impacts include: Smoke Timber traffic, particularly in and around the woodland Natural hazards to operators and public, e.g. unsafe trees.
7.4.3	Requirement The owner/manager shall respond constructively to complaints and shall follow established legal process should this become necessary. Means of verification All woodlands: Discussions with interested parties. Non-SLIM woodlands: A complaints process and public contact point.

7.4Minimising adverse impacts

7.4.1

Requirement

Sites and features of special cultural significance shall be identified and discussed with interested local people, the relevant authorities and interest groups and measures shall be taken to protect them.

See also section 7.1.1.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Any known features mapped and/or documented
Discussions with the owner/manager demonstrate rationale for management of relevant sites.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Records of consultation with statutory bodies, local authorities and interest groups to identify features
Documented plans.

Guidance

Typical examples include:

Prominent viewing points
Landscape features
Veteran and other notable trees
Historical features and archaeological sites
Woodlands which feature in literature or which are of artistic significance
Historic landscapes and woodlands which are still managed under traditional systems.

7.4.2

Requirement

The owner/manager shall mitigate the risks to public health and safety and the wider impacts of woodland operations on local people.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

No evidence of legal non-compliance
Evidence that complaints have been dealt with constructively.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

Documented evidence that owners/managers have considered actual and potential impacts of operations on local people and interest groups and have taken reasonable steps to mitigate them.

Guidance

Examples of impacts include:

Smoke
Timber traffic, particularly in and around the woodland
Natural hazards to operators and public, e.g. unsafe trees.

7.4.3

Requirement

The owner/manager shall respond constructively to complaints and shall follow established legal process should this become necessary.

Means of verification

All woodlands:

Discussions with interested parties.

Non-SLIM woodlands:

A complaints process and public contact point.