NEWS
Consultation opens on amended UKWAS 5 text on game-release pens
Stakeholders can now make comment on a proposed amendment to UKWAS 5 requirements for game-release pens.
Following stakeholder concerns, the UKWAS steering group had charged its revision working group with the task of reviewing and, if thought fit, amending requirement 4.10.1.
Working group chair, Peter Wilson, said:
“This was a challenging task as we needed to consider how best to safeguard conservation values whilst protecting an important revenue stream for many woodland owners and managers. The working group was supported by technical experts during a series of meetings which included a field visit to the Duchy of Cornwall woodlands in Herefordshire to view and discuss the concerns of all parties at first hand.
“The working group has developed an amended text which aims to achieve an appropriate balance of interests. The steering group has discussed the draft at length and supports the proposed text. The revision working group is now seeking stakeholders’ views on their draft.”
Mr Wilson urged stakeholders to read through the draft and submit their comments by 16th February 2026:
“This initial consultation draft is just that: it presents the working group’s initial ideas on how to improve the standard. The revision working group now welcomes further comments from stakeholders and standard-users.”
A further draft will then be prepared taking the feedback into account and a second revision draft will be released for a further round of consultation beginning in the spring.
A consultation paper and full documentation is available here:
Notes
- Standard-users and stakeholders should submit their input by Monday, 16th February 2026 to ukwas@ukwas.org.uk.