UPM Tilhill UKWAS scheme surpasses 100,000ha

UPM Tilhill’s UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) Group Certification Scheme has topped 100,000ha of sustainably-managed forests with the addition of woodlands owned by the London Borough of Bromley.

The south-east London borough has added 552ha of woodlands that are managed to UKWAS levels, which are designed to “interpret, develop and promote a certification standard for forest management in the UK”.

UPM Tilhill’s UKWAS Group Certification Scheme is open to any UK forest owners who have their own management and meet UKWAS levels, with members ranging from local councils to National Parks.

“The success of UPM Tilhill’s group scheme reflects the increasing commitment of woodland owners in the UK to clearly demonstrate their desire to manage woodlands in a sustainable and responsible manner,” said UPM Tilhill director Peter Middleton.

“We are delighted that the London Borough of Bromley has brought the 100,000th ha to the scheme – it reflects their responsible attitude to the management of their woodlands.”

Mr Middleton added that the “integrity of the UPM Tilhill group scheme” allowed owners access to a “simple and credible process to evidence that their woodlands are managed in an appropriate manner”.