A pilot project to investigate the barriers faced by small woodlands in England seeking forest certification to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) has been launched by Forestry Commission chairman, Lord Clark of Windermere.

Main aims of the project are: to identify and evaluate appropriate incentive and support mechanisms; to increase the uptake of certification; to evaluate what certification delivers in terms of economic, social and environmental outputs; to evaluate how any benefits achieved can be maintained.

The project is being launched in three pilot areas: Yorkshire – Yorwoods; The English Marches, West Midlands – Heartwoods; Greater Manchester/Merseyside – Red Rose and Mersey Community forests.

Lord Clark said that while certification has been widely embraced by the owners of large woodlands, greater uptake by small woodland owners would be welcomed.

&#8220These woodlands are a significant and valuable resource, and pose a particular challenge as they often receive little or no management. As a result they are not realising their economic, environmental and social potential.”

Forestry Commission chairman Lord Clark of Windermere.

He added: “These woodlands are a significant and valuable resource, and pose a particular challenge as they often receive little or no management. As a result they are not realising their economic, environmental and social potential.”

He said that as the call for certified forest products gathers pace there is a risk that products from small woodlands will be excluded from the market. “Linking producers to users by developing local chains of custody will be an integral part of breaking down the barriers to certification. Woodland owners will be offered the support, advice and training that they need,” he concluded.