Contact the Forestry team
Our certification teams work in regions around the world. We have issued certificates in over 70 countries, working with trained agents and auditors in each.
Forest management certification
Certifying the forest you manage demonstrates that it meets independently verified standards that take environmental, economic, and social practices into account.
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Benefits of forest management certification
Forest management certification assesses forestry operations to ensure they meet international standards for responsible forest management.
If the forest you manage is certified, your customers know that it meets independently verified standards. It shows a commitment to ending deforestation, conserving biodiversity, and protecting local communities that work and use forests.
Products from a certified forest, such as timber, can carry a label demonstrating to consumers that the products are from a well-managed forest.
A 2015 WWF study shows that the financial benefits of certification often outweigh the costs.
We offer FSC and PEFC forest management certification. In countries where an FSC-approved Forest Stewardship Standard for forest management has not yet been developed, Soil Association Certification's Generic Forestry Standard (ST-FM-001) can be adapted to account for local conditions with input from local stakeholders. These adapted standards remain open for comment.
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are globally recognised certification schemes. Whilst FSC and PEFC differ in scope, both demonstrate the highest level of responsible forest management.
FSC and PEFC certification
Mendel University
Based in Brno in the Czech Republic, Mendel University owns and manages over 10,000 hectares of forests. These are used as an extensive research and education facility, as well as a productive forestry operation and recreational space for the public.
Other schemes
How the certification process works
Certifying with Soil Association Certification is quick and efficient, thanks to our team of experts who are on hand to help every step of the way. The process is tailored to your existing business management practices and documentation systems. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
1. Pre-application
To begin, contact our expert team. Following an initial conversation, we will take you through our application form, after which we can provide an estimated timeline for certification and prepare a quote.
2. Submit your application
You’ll be introduced to your Certification Officer (CO), who is your guide and contact from application through to certification.
We'll then send our contract, schedule and the FSC Trademark Licence Agreement (TLA) for you to sign and return.
For PEFC applicants, the PEFC National Governing Body (NGB) will issue a logo-use license directly to you.
3. Stakeholder engagement
Effectively engaging with stakeholders is an integral aspect of FSC and PEFC Forestry Management certification. Consultation with identified stakeholders such as local communities, environmental groups, government and scientific researchers will take place before the certification audit occurs.
4. Site visit
If a pre-assessment site visit would be useful, you can arrange this with your CO. The pre-assessment report will provide recommendations for improvements before your certification assessment.
During the certification assessment audit, a multidisciplinary team of auditors will assess for compliance with the relevant certification standards and produce a report incorporating issues raised during the consultation with stakeholders.
5. Certificate decision
After internal and peer reviews of the certification report, we will make a certification decision.
Subject to satisfactory compliance with the relevant standard(s), we will issue a five-year certificate, which is subject to annual surveillance audits.
6. Surveillance audits
During the five-year certification period we will carry out four surveillance audits and a reassessment audit to ensure continuous certification.
The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate at Windsor is a unique woodland: its proximity to London, diversity of forest types, high visitor numbers, and its need to balance ecological restoration with timber production.
Get ready for the EUDR
Whether you're a forest operator or a business sourcing commodities like wood, soya, cocoa, coffee, cattle, palm oil or rubber, the EUDR affects you. We offer resources and training to help you prepare.
Forestry Team
Soil Association Certification
Spear House
51 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6AD
United Kingdom
Soil Association Certification
Spear House
51 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6AD
United Kingdom