As PEFC UK turns 25, we thought it was a great moment to pause and reflect on how far we have travelled and look forward to exciting times ahead.
To celebrate, we’re proud to be donating 1,060 trees to the National Forest, one for every current Forest Management and Chain of Custody certificate holder in the UK. Not only does it recognise the collective impact of our members, but it also says a huge thanks for the role they play in protecting forests, supporting responsible sourcing, and helping to drive positive change across the supply chain.
These trees will be planted as part of the National Forest’s wider regeneration work helping to restore woodland, create habitats and support climate resilience in one of the most ambitious landscape-scale projects in the UK.
To see how UK forests are evolving and the progress being made in sustainable management, read our latest report: The State of UK Forests: A Comprehensive Overview
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary it feels right that we mark the occasion by planting trees,” says John Kirkby, Executive Director, PEFC UK. “Our certificate holders are at the heart of everything we do, so this donation will be a lasting tribute to their ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing.”
PEFC UK has gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years, from supporting a small number of early adopters to becoming a trusted certification partner for hundreds of businesses across forestry, timber, paper, packaging, construction and retail sectors. None of that would have been possible without the continued support of our members and the wider industry.
“This milestone is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made as an organisation,” adds Chris Sutton, Chairman, PEFC UK. “It is also a big thank you all those who have supported PEFC UK along the way. The tree planting initiative is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to forests, people and the planet.”
We will also be hosting a special anniversary event this October, inviting members to visit the National Forest and take part in a ceremonial planting of some of the trees that have been donated. It will be a great opportunity to come together, celebrate the work PEFC does in the community, and leave a legacy on the landscape.
More details and invitations will follow in the coming weeks, but we would love as many of our certificate holders and supporters as possible to be part of the day. Thank you for being part of our journey so far. To register your interest email: info@pefc.co.uk to secure you spot.