Extending sustainable certification to urban trees and green spaces
PEFC UK is introducing a new opportunity for local authorities and homebuilders to demonstrate leadership in sustainability. Our Trees Outside Forests (TOF) standard enables certification of trees and green spaces beyond traditional forest settings including streets, riversides and residential developments.
Trees and green spaces outside designated forests play a vital role in the health and resilience of our towns and cities. Whether lining our streets or enhancing public spaces, they offer a wide range of environmental and social benefits. These include supporting biodiversity, capturing carbon, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and contributing to our wellbeing.
Research from Forest Research shows that one third of the UK’s tree cover is located outside forests. These trees are a valuable part of our green infrastructure. Now, through TOF certification, they can be managed and recognised to the same internationally respected standards as forests.
Certification that Supports Sustainability Goals
Developed by PEFC UK and based on the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), the TOF standard offers a practical route to certification for urban and peri-urban trees.
Whether you are a local authority managing public estates or a developer delivering new neighbourhoods, TOF certification helps you demonstrate responsible management of trees and green assets. Certification is carried out by independent UKAS accredited bodies and aligned with PEFC’s internationally recognised sustainability benchmarks.
The Trees Outside Forests standard was developed by PEFC UK following a successful pilot with Sheffield City Council and formally endorsed by PEFC International in July 2024. It forms part of the UKAS-accredited PEFC United Kingdom Certification Scheme for Sustainable Forest Management.
You can download the Trees Outside Forests standard and refer to the accompanying guidance document. For more information on the process, visit our Get Certified page.
Key Benefits
- Contribute to a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Enhance social value and promote greener, healthier communities
- Support Biodiversity Net Gain and protect ecosystems
- Help meet ESG objectives and net zero carbon targets
- Provide a consistent framework for tree management across departments and developments
- Increase the visibility and impact of sustainability commitments
- Demonstrate responsible sourcing and ethical practice
- Strengthen reputation with stakeholders and residents
- Support access to funding and investment in green infrastructure
Be Part of a Growing Network
We are working with local authorities, homebuilders and public landowners to establish a UK-wide network of certified urban landscapes. If your organisation is looking to lead on environmental management and community wellbeing, we would welcome a conversation.
PEFC TOF certification is straightforward, cost effective and designed to support your sustainability strategy. It is a clear way to show that your trees and green spaces are being managed responsibly for the benefit of people and nature.
To find out more or discuss how TOF certification could support your goals, contact: John Kirkby, Executive Director.
