Following the last UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) steering group meeting on 8th May, the following press release was released by UKWAS on 19th May regarding Clause 4.10.1c of the ‘Game-rearing, shooting and fisheries management’ section of UKWAS 5.0, which became effective as a PEFC only document on 1st December 2024.
UKWAS Responds to Concerns over New Game-Release Pen Requirement
In direct response to concerns raised by woodland owners and managers, a new requirement introduced in UKWAS 5.0 is to be reviewed.
UKWAS chair, Ben Gunneberg, said: We had a very constructive and positive steering group meeting at which it was agreed to revisit requirement 4.10.1 c) which requires that existing game-release pens in areas of high conservation value are taken out of use over time.
‘This new requirement has troubled a number of woodland managers especially those in lowland areas, so I am very pleased with the outcome of our discussions; these show the UKWAS consensus-building process at its very best.’
The UKWAS revision group is to reconvene to address users’ concerns and consider amendment of the requirement. External experts have been invited to attend and inform discussions.
Ben explained: The aim of the requirement was to prevent negative impacts on ground flora and fauna on high conservation sites such as ancient woodlands and other protected areas. The aim remains, but the revision group will explore whether a more nuanced approach might be more appropriate and practicable for forest managers.’ Ben continued: ‘I look forward to seeing the revision group’s recommendations in due course’.
The press release is also available on the UKWAS website here.
Any amendment to the requirement will be considered as a formal revision to UKWAS 5.0 and will need to be carried out in accordance with the UKWAS Standard Setting Process. The first step will be for the chamber-balanced UKWAS Revision Working Group to reconvene to discuss and agree any recommended revision to the requirement. This meeting will take place on 23rd June 2025.
Whilst there is no specific mention of ‘game-release pens’ in PEFC-ST-1003 – ‘Sustainable for Management – Requirements’, which is used by PEFC International to assess and endorse UKWAS, it does contain requirements that certified areas classified as having high-conservation value are protected and not damaged as a result or management or operational activities. Therefore, once any changes to Clause 4.10.1c are agreed by the revision group, they will need to be reviewed and approved by PEFC.
As well as 4.10.1c, a potential revision to the new requirement under 4.10.1b which requires that all new game-release pens are located outside areas of high conservation value was also discussed during the steering group meeting. It was agreed, by a vote, that this requirement should remain.
We will provide further updates on the progress of the revision in due course, however in the meantime if you have any questions please contact John Kirkby