We are pleased to announce that following a formal revision process, PEFC International have now endorsed Version 5.1 of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). The new standard includes amendments to Requirement 4.10.1 relating to game-bird management.
Background
In May 2025, following a number of stakeholder concerns about its practicability, the UKWAS Steering Group agreed to revisit Clause 4.10.1 c) of UKWAS 5.0, which required that existing game-release pens in areas of high conservation value were taken out of use over time. 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 proposed amendment to the requirement was considered by both the UKWAS Steering Group and PEFC to be a formal revision to the standard, and due process was followed in accordance with the UKWAS Standard Setting Process (V3.1). This process included two rounds of sixty-day public consultation, which ended on 16th February and 20th June 2026 respectively.
Following completion of the second consultation, the final text of the revised requirement was approved by the UKWAS Steering Group in August 2026, before it was submitted to PEFC for assessment against their Sustainable Forest Management Benchmarks (PEFC ST 1003: 2018)
The Changes
Under Requirement 4.10.1 in UKWAS 5.0, all new game release pens were to be located outside areas of high conservation value and existing game release pens within areas of high conservation value were to be taken out of use within 24 months of the effective date of the revised standard i.e. by 30th November 2026.
A number of owners, managers and representative associations raised concerns at the implications of the amended requirement 4.10.1, especially those managing lowland and more traditional woodlands where game shooting often provides a significant income over and above timber receipts.
The amendment to Requirement 4.10.1 has sort to provide more flexibility to affected owners and managers by providing a framework under which, in certain conditions, existing game release pens can be retained within areas of high conservation value.
Speaking about the completion of the revision, UKWAS chair, Ben Gunneberg, said:
“This amendment demonstrates the UKWAS consensus-building process working as it should. We listened to the concerns raised by woodland owners and managers, brought together the different interests involved and consulted widely to find a practical way forward while maintaining the conservation objectives of the Standard. I would like to thank everyone who contributed constructively to the process.”
PEFC UK Executive Director, John Kirkby, added:
“We are delighted that PEFC International has endorsed UKWAS 5.1. The fact that the assessor did not raise any issues with the revised wording of Requirement 4.10.1 is testament to the work of the UKWAS Revision Working Group who have managed to make the requirement more flexible and practicable, whilst still maintaining conformance to the relevant PEFC benchmarks. We now look forward to supporting certificate holders with their transition to the amended standard.”
Next Steps
UKWAS 5.1 will become effective from 1st October 2026. PEFC Forest Management certificate holders now have 12 months to transition to the updated standard. In most cases this will be incorporated into their next surveillance audit by their certification body.
The FSC™ approval process for UKWAS 5 is ongoing. Until such time as the process is complete, FSC certificate holders will continue to be audited to UKWAS 4. The amended 4.10.1 text is included in the draft FSC documentation that is to be approved.
A copy of the UKWAS 5.1 can be downloaded from here