myForest YouTubeClick to vist the myForest YouTube Channel for video tutorials | |
myForest Tips | |
|
|
Sharing and Collaboration with myForestLearn how to share a property with stakeholders Download |
|
|
Producing a suite of mapsHow to create a suite of maps in myForest Download |
|
|
A Beginner's Guide to Forest InventoryUnderstanding Your Woodland with myForest Download |
|
|
Importing RP&S Land Parcels (Scotland)How to map your woodland using land parcel boundaries Download |
|
|
Importing Land Parcels from Rural Payments WalesHow to map your woodland using land parcel boundaries Download |
Inventory | |
|
|
myForest InventoryIn-depth guide to using the inventory functions in myForest Download |
|
|
Forest Yield (Forestry Commission)A handbook on forest growth and yield tables for British Forestry Download |
|
|
Tree Diameter Measurement (National Forest Inventory Manual)Learn how to correctly measure tree diameter at breast height (DBH) Includes guidance on irregularly shaped and leaning trees, and how to measure on sloping ground Download |
|
|
Tree Height Measurement (National Forest Inventory Manual)Learn how to measure the height of trees Includes guidance on the assessment of timber height and how to measure on sloping ground Download |
UK Forestry Standard | |
|
|
ContentsContents of the UK Forestry Standard, Fifth Edition Download |
|
|
1. Introduction"The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the technical standard for sustainable forest management in the UK. It sets out the approach of the four governments of the UK, and defines the requirements and provides guidance for foresters on how to practise sustainable forest management in the UK. In this way, it provides a basis for operating grant schemes and ofcial controls and support for regulatory processes. It also provides the foundation for a number of voluntary certifcation and quality assurance schemes used in the UK, and for assessing compliance with environmental management standards." Download |
|
|
2. General Forestry Practice"This section sets out aspects of forestry practice that apply to most forest situations, and that are common to the elements of sustainable forest management within the UKFS." Download |
|
|
3. Forests and Biodiversity"The conservation of biodiversity is an essential part of sustainable forest management. Forests cover nearly one-third of the world’s total land area and are vital in ensuring that environmental functions such as climate regulation and soil conservation are maintained, as well as biodiversity. They provide habitats for a large array of plants and animals, many of which are rare or threatened. By providing these important ecosystem services, biologically diverse forests contribute to the sustainability of the wider landscape." Download |
|
|
4. Forests and Climate Change"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today and there is mounting evidence that it could create substantial, abrupt and irreversible impacts on our environment. The UKFS response to climate change is through both mitigation (establishing new forests and managing existing forests and wood products in a way that enhances their potential as a sink of greenhouse gases) and adaptation (reducing the vulnerability of forests and using forests to increase society’s resilience to climate change). In other words, long-term climate change mitigation is not possible without short-term adaptation. Forest managers must plan and implement changes as a matter of urgency to adapt their forests in the context of rapid climate change." Download |
|
|
5. Forests and Historic Environment"Several thousand years of human activity have contributed to the variety of landscapes found across the UK today. Surviving elements of the historic environment take many forms, and include ancient woodland, veteran trees, earthworks, ruined structures and archaeological sites, soils and paleoenvironmental sequences. Together, these heritage features contribute to the essential character of our landscape and inform both our sense of place and our knowledge of the past." Download |
|
|
6. Forests and Landscape"Landscape is a uniquely broad and overarching element that provides the setting for forestry and contributes a range of design principles, techniques and processes that facilitate efective forest planning, design and management. The UKFS approach is to assess landscape character and refect it in forestry practice through an appreciation of the landscape context and the application of forest design principles. Other guidance and information may need to be used in conjunction with the UKFS." Download |
|
|
7. Forests and People"Forests provide wide-ranging and diverse benefts to people in the UK. In addition to supporting livelihoods and employment, either directly or indirectly, sustainably managed forests provide opportunities for recreation and learning, and health and well-being activities. Forests are a part of our historical and contemporary culture, an integral part of the landscape around us, and an essential element of our cities, towns and villages." Download |
|
|
8. Forests and Soils"Soil is a fundamental component of the forest ecosystem. It is a complex and variable medium comprising mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. The characteristics of the forest’s soil largely determine the nature of the fora and fauna that live in it, sustaining its biodiversity and its productive potential. It is a vital but fragile resource that must be used in a sustainable way by knowing and working to soil type and condition." Download |
|
|
9. Forests and Water"Sustainable forest management is essential to ensure the supply of good quality fresh water, provide protection from natural hazards such as fooding or soil erosion, and protect aquatic species." Download |
|
|
GlossaryFrom Access Management Plan to Woodland Management Unit, an alphabetical glossary of terms used in the UK Forestry Standard. Download |
Miscellaneous | |
|
|
Carbon Assessment Protocol (Forestry Commission)How to undertake a comprehensive carbon assessment of the living tree biomass within an area of woodland Download |
|
|
UKFS Checker QuestionsPrintable copy of UKFS Checker questions Download |