FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION REPORT - SGS · Sandy Anderson, Senior Partner Address: DGA...

SGS QUALIFOR

(Associated Documents)

Doc. Number: AD 36A-09

Doc. Version date: 27 June 2009

Page: 1 of 47

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SGS South Africa (Qualifor Programme) 58 Melville Road, Booysens - PO Box 82582, Southdale 2185 South AfricaSystems and Services Certification Division [email protected] South Africa (Qualifor Programme) 58 Melville Road, Booysens - PO Box 82582, Southdale 2185 - South AfricaSystems and Services Certification Division Contact Programme Director at t. +27 11 681 -2500 www.sgs.com/forestry

FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION REPORT

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Project Nr: 6582-GB

Client: DGA Forestry (David Goss & Associates)

Web Page: www.dga-forestry.co.uk

Address: Lochanhead Wood, Lochanhead, Dumfries, Scotland, UK.

Country: United Kingdom (England, Wales and Scotland)

Certificate Nr. SGS-FM/COC-000324 Certificate Type: Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC)

Group & Resource Forest Management

Date of Issue Date of expiry:

Evaluation Standard FSC-UK Standard (FSCUK-FS-106 : v1-2) - UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS)

Forest Zone: Temperate

Total Certified Area 9,552 ha

Scope: Forest Management of the DGA Forestry (David Goss & Associates) group & resource manager certification schemes for forests in the UK producing softwood and hardwood round timber.

Location of the FMUs included in the scope

Scotland, Northern England and Wales.

Company Contact Person:

Sandy Anderson, Senior Partner

Address: DGA Forestry (David Goss & Associates) Group Scheme Manager, Lochanhead Wood, Lochanhead, Dumfries, UK.

Tel: 01387-730634

Fax 01387-259013

Email: [email protected]

Evaluation dates:

Main Evaluation 3,4,5 August 2009

Surveillance 1 11-12 August 2010

Surveillance 2

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Surveillance 3

Surveillance 4

Copyright: © 2010 SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd

All rights reserved

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1. SCOPE OF CERTIFICATE .................................................................................................................... 5

2. COMPANY BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Ownership .................................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Company Key Objectives ............................................................................................................ 9

2.3 Company History ........................................................................................................................10

2.4 Organisational Structure ............................................................................................................10

2.5 Ownership and Use Rights ........................................................................................................10

2.6 Other Land Uses .........................................................................................................................10

2.7 Non-certified Forests ..................................................................................................................11

3. Group Management............................................................................................................................ 11

3.1 Group Management System .......................................................................................................11

3.2 Membership of the Group ..........................................................................................................11

3.3 Monitoring of Group Members...................................................................................................11

4. FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Bio-physical setting ....................................................................................................................11

4.2 History of use ..............................................................................................................................12

4.3 Planning process ........................................................................................................................12

4.4 Harvest and regeneration ...........................................................................................................13

4.5 Monitoring processes.................................................................................................................13

5. SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT ................................................................... 14

5.1 Social aspects .............................................................................................................................14

5.2 Environmental aspects ...............................................................................................................15

5.3 Administration, Legislation and Guidelines .............................................................................15

6. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT, HARVESTING, SILVICULTURE AND MONITORING ....................... 17

7. PREPARATION FOR THE EVALUATION ........................................................................................... 18

7.1 Schedule .....................................................................................................................................18

7.2 Team ............................................................................................................................................18

7.3 Checklist Preparation .................................................................................................................18

7.4 Stakeholder notification .............................................................................................................19

8. THE EVALUATION .............................................................................................................................. 19

8.1 Opening meeting ........................................................................................................................19

8.2 Document review ........................................................................................................................19

8.3 Sampling and Evaluation Approach ..........................................................................................19

8.4 Field assessments ......................................................................................................................20

8.5 Stakeholder interviews ...............................................................................................................20

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8.6 Summing up and closing meeting .............................................................................................20

9. EVALUATION RESULTS .................................................................................................................... 21

9.1 Findings related to the general QUALIFOR Programme ..........................................................21

10. CERTIFICATION DECISION ............................................................................................................... 32

11. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION ................................................................................................. 33

12. RECORD OF CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUESTS (CARs) ................................................................ 34

13. RECORD OF OBSERVATIONS .......................................................................................................... 36

14. RECORD OF STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS AND INTERVIEWS ....................................................... 39

15. RECORD OF COMPLAINTS ............................................................................................................... 43

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS (not part of the Public Summary)

AD 20: Evaluation Itinerary

AD 21: Attendance Record

AD 26: Corrective Action Requests

AD 36-B: Evaluation - Observations and Information on Logistics

AD 36-C: Evaluation – Information on Group Members

AD 40: Stakeholder Reports

Evaluation team CVs

List of stakeholders contacted

Complaints and Disputes

Procedures for submitting complaints, appeals and disputes, and the SGS processing of such are published on www.sgs.com/forestry. This information is also available on request – refer contact details on the first page.

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INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the evaluation was to evaluate the operations of DGA Forestry (David Goss and Associates) against the requirements of the QUALIFOR Programme, the SGS Group’s forest certification programme accredited by Forest Stewardship Council.

1. SCOPE OF CERTIFICATE

The scope of the certificate falls within the Temperate Forest Zone and includes 42 of Forest Management Units (FMUs)/Group Members as described below.

Description of FMUs:

Description Ownership Area (ha) Longitude E/W Latitude N/S

Temperate forests : 41 Resource Manager members and 9 Group Scheme Members

Private 9,552.4 55’ 05” north

04’ 40” west

Location given is for the DGA Forestry office. Members’ individual locations available on request.

Size of FMUs:

Nr of FMUs Area (ha)

Less than 100ha 22 1,321.0

100 to 1000 ha in area 28 8,231.4

1001 to 10000 ha in area

More than 10000 ha in area

Total 50 9,552.4

Total Area in the Scope of the Certificate that is:

Area (ha)

Privately managed 9,552.4

State Managed

Community Managed

Composition of the Certified Forest(s)

Area (ha)

Area of forest protected from commercial harvesting of timber and managed primarily for conservation objectives inc. Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW).

1,513.0*

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Composition of the Certified Forest(s)

Area (ha)

Area of forest protected from commercial harvesting of timber and managed primarily for production of NTFPs or services

0

Area of forest classified as “high conservation value forest” 0*

Area of non-forest managed primarily for conservation objectives 0

Total area of production forest (i.e. forest from which timber may be harvested) 9,552.4

Area of production forest classified as “plantation”

Area of production forest regenerated primarily by replanting

Area of production forest regenerate primarily by natural regeneration 0

List of High Conservation Values

Description Notes

DGA managed properties contain very few areas of high conservation value forest. These areas are classed as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW).

However, within the area of commercial production, as well as ASNW, are areas that are managed primarily for conservation objectives. These areas exceed the area threshold requirements for certification in terms of their primary management for biodiversity conservation. Such areas are mainly open heath and grasslands, semi-natural woodlands and water courses, lakes and riparian zones.

* All these areas are intimately mixed with the areas of commercial production and are included in that area.

List of Timber Product Categories

Product Class Product Type Trade Name Category Species (inc. potential)

Wood in the rough

Logs of coniferous wood

Sawlogs Conifer

Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Taxus baccata, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Wood in the rough


Fencing Conifer Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Wood in the Logs of coniferous OSB / MDF Conifer Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x

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rough wood

Chip eurolepis, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Wood in the rough


Pulp Conifer Picea abies, Picea sitchensis.

Wood in the rough


Fuel / Firewood Conifer Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Other products of wood

Residue of coniferous wood

Baled brash Conifer Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Other products of wood

Residue of coniferous wood

Stumps Conifer Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Wood in the rough

Logs of deciduous broadleaves

Sawlogs Deciduous (Hardwood)

Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Juglans regia, Prunus avium, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Ulmus glabra.

Wood in the rough


Fuel / Firewood Deciduous (Hardwood)

Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Betula

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pubescens, Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Juglans regia, Prunus avium, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Ulmus glabra.

Wood in the rough


Coppice Deciduous (Hardwood)

Corylus avellana

Annual Timber Production

Species (botanical name) Species (common name) Area (ha) Maximum Annual Sustainable Yield (m3)

Projected Actual

Softwoods (Conifers) Average Yield Class 12

m3 ha

-1.

Annual allowable cut is based on

UK yield models that are based on

felling at age of maximum mean

annual increment.

43,380 tonnes

Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis, Picea abies, Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla.

Mixed conifer (20%) : Larches, Norway Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, Scots Pine, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock

Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce (80%)

Hardwoods (Deciduous) Average Yield Class 6

m3 ha

-1.

Selective and infrequent felling

due to limited availability.

114 tonnes

Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur

Sycamore, Ash and Oak

Totals 9,552.4 43,494 tonnes

Approximate Annual Commercial Production of Non-Timber-Forest-Products

Product Species Unit of measure Total units

Botanical Name Common Name)

Nil

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Lists of Pesticides

Product Name – active ingredient

(Commercial / Trade name)

Quantity Used (litres or kg) Area of application (ha)

RA SA1 SA2 SA3 SA4 RA SA1 SA2 SA3 SA4

Alpha-cypermethrin*

(Contest)

0 0 0 0

Aluminium phosphide*

(Phostoxin)

0.27 1.44

N/A N/A

Asulam

(Asulox)

10.0 0

2.0 0

Cypermethrin*

(Forester)

16.2 52.0

32.4 52.0

Glyphosate

(Roundup)

38.0 40.4

12.7 13.5

Propyzamide*

(Kerb Flowable)

0 0

0 0

Triclopyr

(Timbrel)

2.0 0

1.0 0

* DGA has valid derogation for these products.

2. COMPANY BACKGROUND

2.1 Ownership

DGA Forestry (David Goss and Associates) is now under a single ownership. The founding partner, David Goss retired from the firm in 2003. The main office is near Dumfries.

2.2 Company Key Objectives

Objective Notes

Commercial

Primarily, profitable timber sales, cost effective restocking and increase in capital value of forest properties managed by the company. Other commercial income will be taken where opportunities arise.

DGA Forestry manages commercial forests on behalf of its investment clients in order to maximise the commercial return from the forest consistent with sustainable forestry

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Objective Notes

principles.

Social

Employee and contractor skill base to facilitate the primary commercial objective.

DGA Forestry is a small sized company employer. Forest Managers and Administrative staff total 4. Many more contractors are employed with a variety of different skills.

Environmental

Legal and FSC compliance to facilitate the primary commercial objective plus reinforce the company’s reputation and credentials.

Environmental management provides a firm foundation for continuous improvements of environmental performance, as well as to an open dialogue with stakeholders. Environmental management procedures implemented throughout all operations follow a holistic approach, enable synergy effects and improve both environmental performance and the credibility of DGA Forestry.

2.3 Company History

DGA Forestry (David Goss and Associates) was established as a company providing advice and management services in UK forestry. DGA was initially a partnership. The founding partner, David Goss retired from the firm in 2003. A third partner left the business in 2007 leaving the business in a single ownership.

The DGA Forestry Group & Resource Manager Certification Scheme has reduced in size since certification. The membership stands at nine group members with an area of 1,321.0 hectares and 41 Resource Manager members with an area of 8,231.4 ha hectares, giving a total area of 9,552.4 ha.

The DGA Forestry scheme manager has had ten years of experience of managing the Group and Resource manager Schemes and the company has developed a sound approach to certification.

An annual report is prepared for each client and files are maintained by DGA for each property.

2.4 Organisational Structure

The company is managed by the owner and supported by two foresters and one administrative staff member who is the other partner. All forest work is done by contractors.

2.5 Ownership and Use Rights

DGA do not own land. All woodlands are privately owned and attract associated UK property rights. The general public have access rights consistent with owners’ discretion but underpinned by statute law and access codes, e.g. the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, 2004.

2.6 Other Land Uses

Other than recreational use, the only permitted use is for deer management and hunting by lessees, authorised by DGA.

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2.7 Non-certified Forests

DGA manages an additional portfolio of properties that are not certified, mainly because these are not in or approaching production and the owners see no benefits in certification. DGA are committed to managing all of their properties in the spirit of sustainable forestry and all are required to meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard. DGA actively encourages non-members to join their scheme.

Individual DGA managed properties are either completely certified or not. Chain of Custody requirements ensure separation of products from certified and non-certified properties.

3. GROUP MANAGEMENT

3.1 Group Management System

The DGA Group Scheme is managed directly by the forest management partner.

3.2 Membership of the Group

Membership of the group is assessed at a pre-entry audit during which remedial actions required for compliance are identified. These are the subject of a DGA Remedial Action Request (RAR) and entry is only permitted once all of these are complied with. The approach mirrors that used by FSC accredited Certification Bodies. The pre-entry checklist (Membership Application Checklist (MAC)) mirrors the UKWAS standard.

3.3 Monitoring of Group Members

All Group members are required to submit an Annual Monitoring Summary (AMS) that details aspects of change, management planning, grant applications, operational activity and monitoring. At least once during each five year period, an Internal Audit Review (IAR) is carried out by the Group Scheme manager. Additional IARs are carried out if operational work or periods of activity are occurring.

Members are issued with RARs for non-compliance and excluded from the scheme if they fail to comply.

4. FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

4.1 Bio-physical setting

Britain has a relatively poor native tree flora of 32 species, including only 3 conifers. In addition, many exotic species have been introduced since Roman times, with large numbers of exotic conifer species introduced for commercial forestry purposes during the twentieth century.

Approximately 10% of Britain’s land area carries tree cover (15% of Scotland, compared to 7% in England). This is an increase since the beginning of the 20th century, when forest cover stood at approximately 5%. However, this increase is composed predominantly of recent plantation forests, largely with exotic species. The UK has no remaining natural forests, but ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW) make up approximately 1% of land area. Since 1945 almost 50% of ancient semi-natural woodland has disappeared.

Large areas of degraded upland areas have been established during the last 50 years as even aged plantations of exotic species such as Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Other exotics managed are Norway spruce (Picea abies), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta), Larches (Larix europaea, Larix leptolepis, Larix x eurolepis), Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and the true firs (Abies spp.). Extensive planting of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) producing similar even aged plantations has also taken place.

Geography:

DGA Forestry’s managed plantations are located throughout Scotland with a few properties in northern England and Wales, mainly on upper ground of lower value to agriculture. Soils tend to

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be either thin or poorly drained with predominant soil types being podsols, gleys and peaty gleys with occasional brown forest soils. The climate is often wet and windy.

Ecology:

The forests of the western UK are cool temperate and, apart from relatively small areas of indigenous forest, are derived from plantations created on previously grazed heathlands and grasslands that have remained free of natural forests for several centuries.

Soils:

Geology in the UK is complex and has resulted in a very wide range of soil types. However, most upland forestry is on acidic podsols, gleys and peats.

4.2 History of use

Britain’s forests have been steadily denuded since the Bronze Age through both clearance and use of timber. As a result, by the beginning of the twentieth century very little forest remained. In response to this, the Forestry Commission was established in 1919 with the aims of establishing and maintaining adequate reserves of trees and production of timber, and of promoting the interests of British forestry.

The Forestry Commission had an active policy of reforestation, particularly from 1945 onwards, acquiring land and planting it mainly with exotic plantation species. In addition, it was also responsible for providing incentives for private forestry, aided in the 1970s and 80s by tax advantages. This resulted in the planting of predominantly exotic plantations in both the public and private sector.

By the 1980s there was increasing concern about wider forest goods and services, in particular landscape, recreation and biodiversity. As a result, incentives have been increasingly slanted towards encouraging multiple use forestry and increasing use of native species.

The Forestry Commission is represented by a Policy and Practice unit (previously the Forestry Authority) covering Great Britain with three national organisations in Scotland, Wales and England that are responsible for regulating forestry and providing grant aid to private owners. In Northern Ireland similar responsibilities are held by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARDNI).

Approximately two-thirds of the UK’s woodland resource is privately owned, often as part of mixed estates or farms. Few private ownerships exceed 1000 ha. Most commercial private forestry is based on plantations. In recent decades, plantation crops of broadleaves or conifers have been established on many ancient woodland sites.

Management for timber production is not always the main objective of privately owned woodlands: management for game is common on mixed estates, and an increasing number of woods are managed specifically for recreation and conservation. Timber production is considered important in larger estates and company owned forests. Biodiversity and landscape conservation and recreational use are now almost always included as multiple objectives in management planning.

DGA manages woodlands for a variety of objectives, according to the owner’s priorities and the type of property. Timber production and financial profit are usually important objectives, but the conservation of rare species and habitats is often important, especially where there are nature conservation designations. The restoration of native woodlands is a common aim in many properties.

Adjacent land uses primarily include adjacent forests, upland sheep farms and areas of high density deer range.

4.3 Planning process

Permission from the Forestry Commission is required for the felling of all trees in Great Britain (with certain limited exceptions). The FC regulates felling in private woodlands by granting a licence, approving a plan associated with a grant scheme (generally Woodland Grant Scheme, WGS or new devolved country variants) or approving a long-term forest design plan for larger

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forests. Most planting (and re-establishment through natural regeneration) on private land takes place with the assistance of grants made by the Forestry Commission.

Woodland Grant Scheme contracts identify overall management objectives and include a basic schedule of operations, describing the management activities planned over a 5-year period. Prescriptions are described in general terms for compartments. These documents often form the basis for the management plan.

Environmental Impact Assessments are used to assess large scale (+100 hectares) afforestation proposals where required by the Forestry Commission. Thinning is regulated by either a Felling Licence (subject to Forestry Act 1967) or a WGS contract.

All properties within the DGA Group and Resource Manager certification schemes have management plans that are reviewed every five years. In addition, many woodlands (or part of woodlands) are the subject of Forestry Commission WGS contracts, which may give an outline of planned management operations for a 5 year period (including felling, thinning, new planting and restocking by replanting or by natural regeneration).

4.4 Harvest and regeneration

Clear felling followed by restocking by planting is the method generally employed for upland plantation management in Great Britain. Felling coupe size and shape are expected to comply with Forest Landscape Design Guidelines. Irregular systems and natural regeneration are increasingly used in ASNWs.

Motor-manual and mechanical whole tree, tree length and short wood harvesting systems with a variety of extraction methods including skidding, forwarding and cable crane may be utilised depending on site conditions and topography. Mechanical harvester felling followed by mechanical forwarder extraction is now the norm for most UK conditions.

In general, the aim, for commercial areas, is to grow crops to age of Maximum Mean Annual Increment (Max MAI) and then to fell. However, restructuring and the establishment of retentions as part of an agreed forest design plan or WGS contract may involve felling at ages other than Max MAI. DGA managers use local experience or mensuration techniques to assess yield forecast of thinning or felling before harvesting.

DGA employ a range of silvicultural practices, including clearfelling, group felling and retention of trees beyond economic rotation age. Continuous cover forestry systems are being used in semi-natural woodlands and are also being tried in some windfirm conifer plantations.

Restocking and afforestation in the UK is generally by planting. Natural regeneration is employed where realistic and is used more frequently for semi-natural woodland. Ground preparation is often carried out using mounding or scarification. Insect attack and weed competition are mitigated by such ground preparation techniques and choice of plant size. Use of chemical insecticides and herbicides are used when required if there is no realistic alternative not entailing excessive cost. DGA has a general policy aim to reduce chemical use in this context. Burning of lop and top following felling is much less common but may be justified on some sites, e.g. for rabbit control.

In the UK the building of new forest roads and quarrying for such roads is governed by Environmental Impact Assessment regulations. This process is administered by the Forestry Commission and it is a process with which the company is familiar.

Fencing is sometimes necessary to protect against stock, deer and rabbits, coupled with control of game and pest species by shooting.

Afforestation of new native woodlands on semi-natural degraded sites usually involves direct notch planting with minimum ground preparation and maintenance.

4.5 Monitoring processes

Where a woodland is subject to a WGS contract, implementation of the prescribed management is checked by the Forestry Commission at a sample of sites. Other monitoring may be carried out on an ad hoc basis by statutory bodies or conservation NGOs where there are particular features of interest.

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Regular visits are made to all properties and to vulnerable, sensitive and working sites by DGA staff. Records are maintained of site visits, operations undertaken and production.

5. SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

5.1 Social aspects

Male Female

Number of own workers 3 1

Number of contract workers Variable depending upon work

loads

Variable depending upon work

loads

Minimum daily wage for agricultural/forestry workers >UK Legally defined minimum wage

Infant mortality rates (under 5 years) Very low

Proportion of workers employed from the local population (%) Very low

The social conditions in the main commercially productive conifer forest areas of the UK are similar, involving mainly Scotland, Wales, parts of Northern England and Northern Ireland. The rural economy is fragile within them all. Tourism is particularly important and landscape values are correspondingly high in many but not all parts of these areas. Whilst tourism can be important, woodlands in the other areas of the UK are equally important for economic regeneration policies and their amenity and recreational value to nearby urban populations (e.g. Scottish central belt, Southern England).

The UK now has a minimum wage structure and health and education standards are relatively high and comparable with the rest of Western Europe. Infant mortality is very low and literacy rates are very high.

The UK timber production and processing industry is under economic pressure from the relatively high currency value of UK sterling and the impact of timber imports. The increase in UK landfill tax has meant that recycling of paper and card waste products has greatly increased, resulting in less demand for raw timber for these products. To an extent, this is now being offset by an increase in demand for small roundwood for woodfuel. Similarly, market pressure from imports has reduced on a relative basis due to changes in supply conditions within Russia and Scandinavia. However, the overall economic situation referred to as the ‘global credit crunch’ is affecting the UK economy like others and this is having a serious impact upon UK demand and with a consequent downturn in prices. The UK timber market is still heavily affected by the building trade and any global economic downward pressure which affects building activity translates to the same pressure on timber prices. Whilst the medium to long term outlook is modestly optimistic, such current fluctuations are all representative of the fragility of the UK rural economy where farming is also under serious economic pressure.

Issues relating to amenity, specifically access and recreation are of major importance in the overall context of rural land management in the UK.

Where Forest Plans are prepared, a “scoping” meeting may be held with statutory consultees and local representatives to discuss proposals and exchange information prior to the preparation of the plan.

It is generally accepted in Scotland that the general public is at liberty to walk over any land provided he or she does so without causing damage to crops, fences and wildlife. This applies to the whole country with the exception of private gardens or grounds that form the curtilage of a dwelling house or other private residence.

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In England and Wales the situation is more complex with many restrictions on public access to private land although the situation is currently changing with increasing legislative attention to public access in the countryside.

In general, DGA encourages public access on the land that it manages. However, the owner has the final decision on access rights (subject to legal requirements). Public Rights of Way exist in some woodlands and are respected.

The UK population includes large numbers of different nationalities and cultural groups, many of which the UK economy is dependent upon. Generally they are closely and intimately integrated into British society and many families have spent several generations in the UK.

5.2 Environmental aspects

The UK has approximately 2 million hectares of forest of which 575,000 hectares are estimated to be on Ancient woodland sites. Approximately 300,000 hectares of this can be described as Ancient and Semi Natural (ASNW) woodland, the balance having been converted into plantation.

Ancient woodlands are those that have had continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD in England and Wales, and since 1750 AD in Scotland. The term ASNW covers all stands of ancient origins that do not obviously originate from planting. This may include stands with naturalised alien species such as sycamore or beech.

ASNW represent the least modified semi-natural woodlands in Britain; they represent an unbroken link with the natural forests that developed after the end of the last glaciation, some 8,000 years ago. For example, native pine (Pinus sylvestris), or Caledonian pine forests as they are often called have been shown to contain several sub-populations of Scots pine that collectively form a genetically and biologically distinct western outlier of the natural distribution of this species. The pine-dominated Caledonian forest may once have covered more than 1.5 million hectares of the Highlands but the present area of native pinewood is now thought to be only 16,000 hectares of which more than half is scattered pine.

Areas within woodlands of particular significance for biological or geological reasons are given statutory designations as areas of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and have statutory protection.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) includes specific guidance and costed targets for a wide range of species and habitats that are the subject of Species Action Plans (SAPs) and Habitat Action Plans (HAPs). Individual local authorities have developed their own Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs).

The Forestry Commission has developed the UK Forestry Standard and has published ‘Guidelines’ for Nature Conservation, Archaeology, Recreation, Landscape Soil and Water.

Forest management is expected to meet the requirements of these guidelines and standards. There are also complex laws relating to the conservation of many species and habitats in the UK (e.g. The Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981).

5.3 Administration, Legislation and Guidelines

The Forestry Commission separately in Scotland, Wales and England implements forestry regulation in Great Britain. (Regulation in Northern Ireland is controlled separately through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARDNI)).

The primary piece of legislation relating to forest management is the Forestry Act 1967. With certain exceptions, mainly relating to non-commercial situations, it is illegal to fell trees in Great Britain without the prior approval of the Forestry Commission. Permission is granted through a felling licence, normally conditional on regeneration or replanting, or through approval of a plan of operations for the site. The latter is an integral component of grant aid provided under the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS).

Following recent political devolution in the UK the Forestry Commission has similarly devolved its structure and operations. Its role as a regulatory authority remains very similar in each of Scotland, England and Wales.

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Approval of grant aid under the WGS is also conditional upon compliance with a range of Forestry Commission environmental guidelines, which aim to ensure that forestry operations are conducted in a manner consistent with the maintenance, protection and/or enhancement of soil, water, landscape, biodiversity and heritage values.

Where felling licences or plans of operations affect areas designated for nature conservation or landscape value, there is an obligation to consult the relevant statutory bodies prior to approval.

The other major aspect of legal control is health and safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations, 1992, enforced in Great Britain by the Health and Safety Executive, regulate this. The required safety standards for forestry operations are contained in a number of Safety Guides, produced by the Forestry and Arboricultural Safety and Training Council and its successor.

The local standard used for this assessment was the FSC endorsed UK Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS) standard which was approved in 1999. The UKWAS reflects the FSC GB standard and is now accepted as the forest management ‘standard’ in the UK. The UKWAS was used in conjunction with the SGS QUALIFOR Programme. In addition, the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard were also taken into account.

The UK Forestry Standard, developed by the UK Forestry Commission, is underpinned by a series of ‘Guidelines’ covering Archaeology, Landscape, Nature Conservation, Recreation, Soils and Water. Forest Practice Guides Nos. 1-8 also covers guidance for the management of semi-natural woodlands in the UK. It is a requirement of UKWAS that this guidance is adhered to.

Following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the UK government became a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Framework Statement on Climatic Change, and adopted the declaration on Sustainable Development and the Statement of Forest Principles. This led to the publication of Sustainable Forestry: the UK Programme and Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan, which committed the UK to the pursuit of sustainable forestry and the conservation of biological diversity.

The UK programme on forestry evolved as European countries signed the resolutions proposed by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe at Helsinki in 1993 (the Helsinki Resolutions). These resolutions provided guidance for countries on sustainable forestry management, conserving biodiversity, co-operating with countries with transitional economies and managing forests in relation to climatic change. The UKWAS adopts the principles and requirements laid down in these international agreements.

The Habitats and Birds Directives provide for a network of protected areas (Natura 2000) in the European Union and require member states to establish such sites and to develop systems to prevent damage to certain endangered species. This legislation is translated into GB law in the ‘Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994’. The process of selection and approval of Natura 2000 sites in the UK is almost complete. Preceding Natura 2000, the UK Government’s policies on nature conservation have been largely implemented through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which established a system of designates sites known as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and provided for the protection and conservation of many UK species and habitats. The UKWAS requires participants to meet all of these requirements.

There are many other laws relating to the protection and welfare of animals. Those of most importance to forest certification concern anti-poaching legislation and close seasons for hunting game species, including the Deer Act Scotland 1996 and the Deer Act England and Wales 1963. Environmental Impact Assessment legislation covers all deforestation, afforestation and road building proposals that might have a significant environmental impact.

The following table lists the key national legislation, regulations, guidelines and codes of best practice that are relevant to forestry in the commercial, environmental and social sectors. This list does not purport to be comprehensive, but indicates information that is key to the forestry sector.

Legislation and regulation Notes

Forestry Act, 1967

Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974

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Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations, 1992,

Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 UK interpretation of the Habitats and Birds Directives, which provide for a network of protected areas (Natura 2000) in the European Union and require member states to establish such sites and to develop systems to prevent damage to certain endangered species.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, This established a system of designates sites known as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and provided for the protection and conservation of many UK species and habitats. The UKWAS requires participants to meet all of these requirements.

Deer Act Scotland 1996

Deer Act England and Wales 1963

Environmental Impact Assessment This legislation covers all deforestation, afforestation and road building proposals that might have a significant environmental impact

Guidelines and Codes of Best Practice Notes

UK Forestry Standard Developed by the UK Forestry Commission

Forestry Commission Guidelines covering Archaeology, Landscape, Nature Conservation, Recreation, Soils and Water.

It is a requirement of UKWAS that this guidance is adhered to

Forest Practice Guides Nos. 1-8 for the management of semi-natural woodlands in the UK.

It is a requirement of UKWAS that this guidance is adhered to

Safety Guides Produced by the Forestry and Arboricultural Safety and Training Council and its successor

FSC endorsed UK Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS) UKWAS standard was approved in 1999 and revised in 2006

6. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT, HARVESTING, SILVICULTURE AND MONITORING

The following table shows significant changes that took place in the management, monitoring, harvesting and regeneration practices of the certificate holder over the certificate period.

Description of Change Notes

SURVEILLANCE 1

No changes.

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Description of Change Notes

SURVEILLANCE 2

SURVEILLANCE 3

SURVEILLANCE 4

7. PREPARATION FOR THE EVALUATION

7.1 Schedule

This Assessment follows a previous five-year period of certification (Main Assessment in June 1999). Previous surveillance assessments, since 1999, have examined the company’s management systems and identified any gaps that might affect maintenance of certification. Information from previous assessments was used to plan the main assessment. Key stakeholders were identified.

The main assessment was carried out during the period 3,4,5 August 2009. A detailed itinerary is shown in Appendix I of the full report.

7.2 Team

The table below shows the team that conducted the main evaluation and the independent specialist(s) that were selected to review the main evaluation report before certification is considered.

Evaluation Team Notes

Team Leader & Lead Auditor

Has a BSc degree in forestry and other land management qualifications, 27 years experience in forestry, mainly in the UK. Has over 400 days FSC auditing experience including overseas. UK & Eire programme manager for SGS forest management certification.

Auditor Has a Forester’s certificate, a 1st class honours degree in ecology and a Ph D in wildlife

management, with 40 years experience of temperate forest ecology in the UK. Has over 200 days auditing experience including overseas.

7.3 Checklist Preparation

A checklist was prepared that consisted of the documents listed below. This checklist was prepared using the FSC-endorsed national or regional standard.

This re-assessment in 2009 was audited against the second revised version of the UKWAS (pub.2006).

Standard Used in Evaluation Effective Date Version Nr Changes to Standard

FSC Accredited National Standard for the United Kingdom – the UK Woodland Assurance Standard

1 November 2006

2 1st edition published 1999. This

revised 2nd

edition published 1 Nov 2006.

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Standard Used in Evaluation Effective Date Version Nr Changes to Standard

(UKWAS)

SGS Qualifor: Group Management Checklist (AD34)

1st February

2005 1

7.4 Stakeholder notification

A wide range of stakeholders were contacted 4 weeks before the planned evaluation to inform them of the evaluation and ask for their views on relevant forest management issues, These included environmental interest groups, local government agencies and forestry authorities, forest user groups, and workers’ unions. Responses received and comments from interviews are recorded at the end of this Public Summary.

8. THE EVALUATION

The Main Evaluation was conducted in the steps outlined below.

8.1 Opening meeting

An opening meeting was held at DGA head office, Dumfries. The scope of the evaluation was explained and schedules were determined. Record was kept of all persons that attended this meeting.

8.2 Document review

A review of the main forest management documentation was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of coverage of the QUALIFOR Programme requirements. This involved examination of policies, management plans, systems, procedures, instructions and controls.

8.3 Sampling and Evaluation Approach

A detailed record of the following is available in section B of the evaluation report. This section does not form part of the public summary, but includes information on:

� Sampling methodology and rationale;

� FMUs included in the sample;

� Sites visited during the field evaluation; and

� Man-day allocation.

This Assessment follows a previous five-year period of certification (Main Assessment in June 1999). Previous surveillance assessments, since 1999, have examined the company’s management systems and identified any gaps that might affect maintenance of certification. Information from previous assessments was used to plan the main assessment. Key stakeholders were identified.

The main assessment was carried out during the period 3rd

– 5th August 2009. A detailed itinerary

and full justification for sampling intensity is shown in AD36B of the full report.

Although forest type within the group is homogenous with the vast majority being plantation, there is some variation in size between members, with many below 100 ha (equivalent to SLIMF) and only 2 (just) above 1,000 ha. The majority lie between 100 to 500 ha. The areas of the individual sites selected achieved a good range and a proportionately balanced sample accordingly.

The Group Scheme Manager (GSM) was present throughout and group scheme administration was also assessed. Several active sites allowed the interview of contractor operators and clients’ staff. This achieved assessment of both DGA management systems and all individual DGA

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managers. This also allowed the coverage of a wide range of forest management operations. DGA staff accompanied auditors during all site visits. Each individual group member sampled was assessed against all the individual UKWAS requirements.

Excluding planning, preparation and report writing, 7 auditor man days were involved for the evaluation including field assessment and office based evaluation inc. stakeholder consultations.

8.4 Field assessments

Field assessments aimed to determine how closely activities in the field complied with documented management systems and QUALIFOR Programme requirements. Interviews with staff, operators and contractors were conducted to determine their familiarity with and their application of policies, procedures and practices that are relevant to their activities. A carefully selected sample of sites was visited to evaluate whether practices met the required performance levels.

8.5 Stakeholder interviews

Meetings or telephone interviews were held with stakeholders as determined by the responses to notification letters and SGS discretion as to key stakeholders that should be interviewed. These aimed to:

� clarify any issues raised and the company’s responses to them;

� obtain additional information where necessary; and

� obtain the views of key stakeholders that did not respond to the written invitation sent out before the evaluation.

Nr of Stakeholders contacted

Nr of Interviews with

NGOs Government Other

MAIN EVALUATION

64 2 4 1

SURVEILLANCE 1

2 1 1

SURVEILLANCE 2

SURVEILLANCE 3

SURVEILLANCE 4

Responses received and comments from interviews are recorded under paragraph 14 of this Public Summary.

8.6 Summing up and closing meeting

At the conclusion of the field evaluation, findings were presented to company management at a closing meeting. Any areas of non-conformance with the QUALIFOR Programme were raised as one of two types of Corrective Action Request (CAR):

� Major CARs - which must be addressed and re-assessed before certification can proceed

� Minor CARs - which do not preclude certification, but must be addressed within an agreed time frame, and will be checked at the first surveillance visit

A record was kept of persons that attended this meeting.

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9. EVALUATION RESULTS

Detailed evaluation findings are included in Section B of the evaluation report. This does not form part of the public summary. For each QUALIFOR requirement, these show the related findings, and any observations or corrective actions raised. The main issues are discussed below.

9.1 Findings related to the general QUALIFOR Programme

PRINCIPLE 1: COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND FSC PRINCIPLES

Criterion 1.1 Respect for national and local laws and administrative requirements

Strengths

Weaknesses The Group Scheme management system does not always ensure that members conform to policy. There are gaps in awareness of woodland management practice for UKWAS compliance by a group member. Minor CAR 01 raised.

Observation 01. Under the newly introduced procedures for management and monitoring of the Group Scheme, Arresgill is due for an Internal Audit Review before the next surveillance.

Observation 02. There is insufficient conformance with the spirit of the standard with regard to knowledge of deadwood and Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) management. Some DGA foresters had insufficient knowledge or awareness of the content of the guidelines on deadwood and ASNW management.

Compliance No evidence of legal non-compliance was observed during the assessment. Compliance with the law was found to be good. Changes in legislation are conveyed to the forester managers and office staff by the principal partner.

Managers were found to be aware of, and complying with the spirit of relevant codes of practice (but see Observation 02 above for the exception). DGA was found to be making good efforts to integrate up to date guidance and best practice into tactical management.

DGA managers are kept up to date on FSC and UKWAS and other new developments through ongoing contact with SGS and the company information system including constant review of the professional forestry and timber trade press.

Staff assessed were found to be aware of current Health & Safety and Environmental legal requirements.

Group Scheme procedures have been reviewed and revised. Procedures have been clarified to members, who are now required to submit an ‘Annual Monitoring Summary’ on a specific pro forma to DGA. In addition, each Group member property will be subject to an ‘Internal Audit Review’ (IAR) by the Group Scheme manager using the Membership Application Checklist.

Munches have not responded to repeated correspondence and have been withdrawn from the group scheme. Dunesslin has been subjected to an IAR. Previous Minor CAR 07 closed.

Criterion 1.2 Payment of legally prescribed fees, royalties, taxes and other charges

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No evidence of non-payment from records sampled. DGA are committed to payments and taxes required under legal and contractual agreements. Evidence seen of VAT tax payments to the government.

Criterion 1.3 Respect for provisions of international agreements

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Dialogue with managers confirms that DGA is committed to all binding agreements such as CITES, UNCED - Sustainable Development etc. As a consequence, DGA is publicly committed to the UK Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan and the UK Forestry Standard.

Similarly, dialogue with managers confirms DGA is committed to adherence to European

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nature conservation law through the Natura 2000 legislation and its UK interpretation through the Habitats Regulations 1994.

Criterion 1.4 Conflicts between laws and regulations, and the FSC P&C

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No identified conflicts. There is no evidence of substantiated outstanding claims of non-compliance related to woodland management. There are no current legal disputes. Confirmed by sample records and stakeholder consultation.

Criterion 1.5 Protection of forests from illegal activities

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance The occurrence of illegal activities in the forests is rare. Fly tipping of domestic waste at property entrances is dealt with by good contacts with police and local authorities. Vehicular gates at entrances to woodlands are usually locked to inhibit opportunities for dumping. No evidence of non-compliance. Managers understood compliance with European and UK law in relation to Health and Safety and to Environmental issues. Standard procedures and work contracts indicate legal compliance.

Criterion 1.6 Demonstration of a long-term commitment to the FSC P&C

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance DGA declare their commitment to compliance with the UKWAS standard in company promotional materials and adverts. As a membership requirement of the DGA scheme owners are required to sign their commitment to the same UKWAS standard. Examples were checked.

PRINCIPLE 2: TENURE AND USE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Criterion 2.1 Demonstration of land tenure and forest use rights

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Properties are owned by individual and corporate clients with DGA as managers. Legal title documents are held by clients’ solicitors and copied to DGA as required. Examples were confirmed. Documentation can be made available to prove ownership under the UK’s long established property laws.

Criterion 2.2 Local communities’ legal or customary tenure or use rights

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No evidence was seen during the assessment of existing permissive or traditional use not being sustained. Several access routes being provided were seen during site visits. Public rights of way and the new access legislation in Scotland are taken into account in the forest plans.

Criterion 2.3 Disputes over tenure claims and use rights

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance There was no evidence from sampling records and from stakeholder consultation of any disputes.

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PRINCIPLE 3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS

Criterion 3.1 Indigenous peoples’ control of forest management

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No indigenous people occupy forest lands in the UK and this section is not applicable.

Criterion 3.2 Maintenance of indigenous peoples’ resources or tenure rights

Strengths

Weaknesses


Criterion 3.3 Protection of sites of special cultural, ecological, economic or religious significance to indigenous peoples

Strengths

Weaknesses


Criterion 3.4 Compensation of indigenous peoples for the application of their traditional knowledge

Strengths

Weaknesses


PRINCIPLE 4: COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND WORKERS RIGHTS

Criterion 4.1 Employment, training, and other services for local communities

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No permissive or traditional uses, other than public recreation, were encountered at sites visited. Public access is welcomed at all sites. At Middlebie Glen the owner actively encourages use of his woodland by local people and school groups.

Local forestry contractors have obtained the appropriate qualifications to allow them to work in forestry operations.

Criterion 4.2 Compliance with health and safety regulations

Strengths

Weaknesses Observation 09. At the Craigengillan active harvesting site the harvester operator was the site safety co-ordinator (SSC). Although both the SSC and his appointed deputy had suitable first aid training qualifications, the SSC did not know if any of the other three operators working on site had them and the deputy was not sure whether the SSC had. DGA managers are unaware of impending (October) changes to first aid training requirements under revised Health & Safety regulations.

Compliance Managers maintain copies of Health and Safety Codes and Arboriculture & Forestry Advisory Group safety guides and these are made available to all staff and contractors. Risk assessments are compiled for all operations and all operations must comply with current legislation and codes of practice. This criterion was assessed from active harvesting operations.

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Criterion 4.3 Workers’ rights to organise and negotiate with employers

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Managers are encouraged to be members of a professional institute. Staff interviewed were members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). A newly appointed forester is studying for ICF membership. An individual annual review of pay and conditions is held between management and staff.

Staff interviewed confirmed that employees are not deterred from joining a trades union or employee association. Many contractors engaged by the company are members of the Forestry Contractors’ Association (FCA). No evidence was observed of employees or other workers being deterred from negotiating on a collective basis if desired.

Criterion 4.4 Social impact evaluations and consultation

Strengths The provision of a readily accessible and comprehensive generic stakeholder list that was used very effectively to inform the development of individual lists for specific properties with the addition of local groups and neighbours was exemplary.

Weaknesses

Compliance Hard copies and electronic copies of stakeholder lists were available. There was evidence of the normal Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS / SFGS / long term Forest Plan) process working, including appropriate levels of consultation under the guidance of the Forestry Commission.

Criterion 4.5 Resolution of grievances and settlement of compensation claims

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No complaints encountered during the audit. Interview with DGA stated there were no current complaints. Any grievances are noted by the administrator and brought to the immediate attention of the principal partner. If deemed appropriate, it is revisited with discussion at the next DGA management meeting. If it is a potential legal matter, DGA’s solicitors are advised with a view to recourse to the UK legal system for dealing with disputes if required. .

PRINCIPLE 5: BENEFITS FROM THE FOREST

Criterion 5.1 Economic viability taking full environmental, social, and operational costs into account

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance The assessment demonstrated a cost effective approach with a commitment to account for environmental, social and operational costs sufficient to maintain ecological productivity

Financial records and budgets of income and expenditure all showed suitable financial inputs and outputs.

Within all woodlands visited at least 15% by area of the forest is being managed with conservation and enhancement of biodiversity as a major objective.

Contractors and hunting lease holders are required to hold public indemnity insurance and evidence of this was seen.

Criterion 5.2 Optimal use and local processing of forest products

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Harvesting was consistently at a level that did not exceed the long term productive potential of the resource. Conversion of timber into products was always being done appropriately to

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best economic advantage for the forest owners.

Criterion 5.3 Waste minimisation and avoidance of damage to forest resources

Strengths

Weaknesses A recently thinned site at Middlebie Glen (Group Member) had been left badly rutted, with extensive ground damage. DGA immediately raised a Remedial Action Request (RAR) under the Group Scheme, requiring reinstatement of the site. An Observation was raised to review the RAR and the owner’s response at next surveillance.

Compliance Timber at all active sites visited and those previously harvested had been harvested efficiently with acceptable loss or damage to residual crops.

Criterion 5.4 Forest management and the local economy

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance There was good use of local area based harvesting managers & contractors and / or establishment contractors being engaged. The majority of timber is sold to markets in the respective local areas, predominantly in the southern half of Scotland, which is the core management area of DGA.

Criterion 5.5 Maintenance of the value of forest services and resources

Strengths

Weaknesses DGA has a clear policy that its shooting leases will not permit hunting and shooting to threaten the local viability of populations of game and quarry species but shooting leases do not reflect this. There are outdated references to ‘vermin’ in shooting leases.

Minor Car 03 raised.

Observation 08. DGA Policy Note 19 and some shooting leases use the ambiguous, and outdated term ‘vermin’. These should be revised to provide more specific information on particular species being targeted.

Compliance Management Plans include a long term policy for the woodlands, assessments of relevant aspects of the woodland resource, identification of any special characteristics and sensitivities of the woodland and appropriate treatments, prioritised objectives, a rationale for management prescriptions, outline planned felling and regeneration over the next 20 years, a rationale for the operational techniques to be used and plans for implementation (first five years in detail).

Felling and restocking proposals in management planning documentation seen at all properties took into account the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard and best practice as set out in the FC guidelines. Coupe sizes seen during the assessment were below the thresholds stated within the UKWAS certification standard.

Roads and tracks seen during the assessment were found to be appropriately sited and adequately maintained. Forest managers and clients’ staff are responsible for normal maintenance.

Wildlife management is done under leases issued by DGA. All lessees must adhere to the company wildlife control policy, which prohibits negative impact from game management activity. Predators that may be controlled include crows, foxes and other pest species. Protected and locally sensitive species are excluded from shooting leases.

Stalking Leases detail appropriate species for control and for protection. Shooting leases reflect legal and recommended practices. The shooting lease for Ingleston Forest reflected this and files included copies of firearms and shotgun certificates and certificates of competence (DMQ) in deer management.

Game management is practised at some properties, usually where DGA are responsible for forestry management on a mixed enterprise traditional estate, as opposed to straightforward commercial forestry plantations.

Criterion 5.6 Harvest levels

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Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Harvesting was consistently at a level that did not exceed the long term productive potential of the resource. Recent harvesting at Middlebie Glen as part of a native woodland restoration project and at the Craigengillan felling site confirms compliance.

PRINCIPLE 6: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Criterion 6.1 Environmental impacts evaluation

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Forest management plans are subject to consultation inc. environmental impact evaluation with the Forestry Commission and its statutory consultees, who appraise environmental impacts. Interviews with DGA managers demonstrated that they are experienced in obtaining approval for such schemes by applying the FC regulatory authority methods.

Criterion 6.2 Protection of rare, threatened and endangered species

Strengths A DGA forester had a good knowledge of LBAP species requirements. Restoration of broadleaved woods at Middlebie will have a beneficial effect on native flora.

Weaknesses Observation 07. Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Officers are not consulted about the possible presence of these important species. LBAP Officers provide a valuable route to gaining knowledge that has not been used.

Compliance Locations of relevant habitats and sites are maintained on management planning maps. There was a high regard for nature conservation throughout the properties assessed.. At least 15% of the forest areas of the sites visited showed evidence of primary management for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. All Management Plans include a table showing planned progress toward achieving UKWAS compliance and all Management Plans are now compliant.

At the previous surveillance, Management Plans for Mosscastle and North Cobbinshaw indicated percentages for NRs and LTRs but no areas were provided, they were not indicated on maps and could not be verified in the field. Both Management Plans referred to, and all those inspected during audit, now include details of NRs and LTRs along with maps. Previous CAR 06 closed.

Criterion 6.3 Maintenance of ecological functions and values

Strengths

Weaknesses Although all managers interviewed understood the principle of deadwood management, there are gaps in knowledge of UKWAS compliance requirements.

At Arresgill (Group member) there is no clear reference to planning for deadwood neither within the management plan, nor in dialogue with the manager. No such strategy has been documented.

In addition, from dialogue during the audit, some DGA managers do not fully appreciate the requirements within UKWAS 2

nd edition for achieving deadwood.

Minor CAR 02 raised.

Observation 02. Although DGA documented policy refers succinctly to deadwood management and refers to the existing published guidance ‘Life in the Deadwood’, managers need to appraise whole FMUs for the best deadwood opportunities, as well as take any good ones that present themselves at felling coupes. In this way the misconception that simply leaving 3 dead stems standing (even those of thin diameter) in each hectare of felling coupes will fulfil the requirements of deadwood management will be avoided. Managers need to be clear on the details within UKWAS 2

nd edition requirements & guidance in order to optimise

results and clearly instruct harvesting operators without compromising landscape or high economic value timber stems.

Managers should be aware that the awaited new guidance in the eventually forthcoming

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Forest Practice Guide will be a key reference for UKWAS compliance.

Compliance Given the frequent nature of exposure on unstable upland forestry soils of the sites visited, there was little scope to pursue alternatives to conventional clearfell. This is consistent with experience from windblow in the wider area. However, at Middlebie Glen, a more sheltered site, continuous cover is practiced.

All sites visited (Ingleston, Capelcleuch, Cauldcleuch, Middlebie Glen, Arresgill, Craigengillan, Millsteads and Bruntshielbog) complied with the UKWAS requirement for species diversity and open space. Management Plans provide a simple and effective summary of the areas and percentages.

Criterion 6.4 Protection of representative samples of existing ecosystems

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance At least 15% of the forest area of each of the sites visited is being managed primarily for the conservation of biodiversity. These include Long Term Retentions and Natural Reserves, which are marked on maps in Management Plans.

At previous surveillance, foresters demonstrated little knowledge of a SSSI shown to be adjacent to North Cobbinshaw, or of any potential threats from woodland management. However, the freshwater reservoir adjacent to North Cobbinshaw was wrongly labelled as a SSSI on the Management Plan constraints map. The actual SSSI is actually to the south and does not lie directly adjacent to the forest. The map labelling has been rectified. This previous observation is closed.

Criterion 6.5 Protection against damage to soils, residual forest and water resources during operations

Strengths

Weaknesses Observation 05. A recently thinned site at Middlebie Glen (Group Member) had been left badly rutted, with extensive ground damage. DGA informed the owner that they will immediately raise a Remedial Action Request (RAR) requiring reinstatement of the site. A copy of the RAR has been received by SGS. The owner’s response will be reviewed at next surveillance.

Compliance Felling, restocking and road construction require prior approval (usually via the WGS process) by the FC and are required to follow the FC guidelines. These include operational guidelines with regard to soil and water plus archaeology, nature conservation and landscape. With the exception of observation 05 above, all site evidence and documentation observed showed compliance with all relevant guidelines.

An Emergency Response Plan is in use covering fire, pollution and accidents and a risk assessment and contractor checklist is issued to all contractors. In addition an Operational Plan is issued to contractors detailing the location of any sensitive areas. Policy Note 20 attached to all Management Plans also refers to this requirement.

DGA staff clearly understand and implement safety precautions, environmental protection plans and emergency procedures as evidenced from site visits, discussion and documentation observed during this assessment. Contractors) demonstrated adequate to good understanding on their part.

At Middlebie Glen recent thinning had generally avoided damage to standing trees.

Criterion 6.6 Chemical pest management

Strengths By effective monitoring of weevil impacts and potential impacts, chemical use was significantly reduced at Trostan and Craigengillan forests. A highly commendable approach by DGA management.

Weaknesses

Compliance DGA have a policy to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals where possible and to use alternatives to chemicals where they are suited to the site and the management objectives.

Key mitigation methods by DGA involve ground preparation such as mounding where

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appropriate and the use of plants supplied by nurseries already ‘dipped’ with insecticide where DGA judge risk of attack is sufficiently high.

Chemical use by DGA is low, being mainly confined to combating the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis. Roundup (Glyphosate) is also sometimes used for weed control and records are maintained. Interviews with managers demonstrated an awareness of best practice guidance and a careful and considered approach is used.

Criterion 6.7 Use and disposal of chemicals, containers, liquid and solid non-organic wastes

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance DGA have a Pollution Contingency Plan (Policy Note 20) and arrangements for waste disposal are made with approved operators.

Site visits demonstrated clean and tidy woodlands. During past surveillance visits DGA have demonstrated a keen interest in keeping forest entrances clear of rubbish.

Criterion 6.8 Use of biological control agents and genetically modified organisms

Strengths

Weaknesses Observation 06. UKWAS requires that managers prepare an effective strategy for minimising the use of Biological Control Agents (BCA), similar to the requirement for minimising the use of Pesticides. With the recent outbreak of Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans) in Galloway this year, which may be predated by the BCA Rhizophagus grandis, together with the technical capability of the possibility under some conditions of control of weevils by BCA nematodes, it is timely that DGA put into writing that which can be well articulated verbally.

Compliance No biological control agents or genetically modified organisms are being used by DGA.

Criterion 6.9 The use of exotic species

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Exotic conifers are the key species in UK forests. Species selection within plantations was found to be appropriate for site and management objectives with an emphasis on the use of native species for all purposes other than commercial timber production. Exotic tree species are sometimes perpetuated for landscape and recent cultural reasons or as silvicultural nurses for broadleaves, consistent with UK silvicultural practice.

No intensive Christmas tree production is carried out by DGA.

No non-native plant and animal species have been or are planned to be introduced.

Criterion 6.10 Forest conversion to plantations or non-forest land uses

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance No cases of conversion were encountered.

PRINCIPLE 7: MANAGEMENT PLAN

Criterion 7.1 Management plan requirements

Strengths

Weaknesses Observation 03. Managers need to be fully aware of conservation and archaeological information contained within management plans and know the appropriate organisations to contact if required.

Compliance Management Plans include a long term policy for the woodlands, assessments of relevant aspects of the woodland resource, identification of any special characteristics and

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sensitivities of the woodland and appropriate treatments, prioritised objectives, a rationale for management prescriptions, outline planned felling and regeneration over the next 20 years, a rationale for the operational techniques to be used and plans for implementation (first five years in detail).

Felling and restocking proposals in management planning documentation seen at all properties took into account the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard and best practice as set out in the FC guidelines. Coupe sizes seen during the assessment were below the thresholds stated within the UKWAS certification standard.

Criterion 7.2 Management plan revision

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Confirmation was provided that all Management Plans are reviewed after five years.

Criterion 7.3 Training and supervision of forest workers

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance All operational work is done on contract. Supervisory staff and managers are fully qualified and members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). They attend frequent courses and seminars covering a wide range of issues.

Records confirmed that all contractors interviewed were suitably qualified to operate the harvesting machinery with which they were working.

Criterion 7.4 Public availability of the management plan elements

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance DGA Management Plans are readily available for public inspection. All Forestry Commission draft plans go onto a public register and are consulted upon by statutory bodies and NGOs.

PRINCIPLE 8: MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Criterion 8.1 Frequency, intensity and consistency of monitoring

Strengths Site Inspection records contain a high level of detail and are of a very high standard.

Weaknesses Observation 04. UKWAS requires that monitoring records shall be kept and be in a form which ensures that they are of use over the long term. Replanting records must be in a sufficiently robust form to be of use over the long term. At present DGA maintain file records of plant supply certificates. Therefore it will be important for long-term future reference, particularly in view of climate change, that accurate plant origin records down to compartment or coupe level can be easily accessed by the next generation of forest managers. DGA are considering additional electronic recording.

Compliance All activities that require monitoring have been identified and documented in a monitoring programme along with requirements for frequency, intensity, consistency and replication.

Monitoring requirements are included in the DGA Standard Management Policies attached to each Management Plan. Detailed monitoring results are held on an electronic database. Very effective records of monitoring for weevil damage, drainage, road condition and restocking were seen in respect of Trostan Woods as an example.

Criterion 8.2 Research and data collection for monitoring

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance DGA is a small company that does not have resource available for direct research. However, its staff are very diligent in keeping abreast of new innovations and practices. Few examples

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of the presence of rare, threatened or endangered species were encountered during the audit but in such cases information is being collected relevant to their changing status.

Criterion 8.3 Chain of custody

Strengths DGA office administration is undertaken with a very high level of diligence and competence.

Weaknesses

Compliance The DGA system of timber advice notes + invoices enables timber to be traced back to the forest of origin. Suitable information with correct use of the DGA code number was seen on timber sales invoices viewed at the DGA office.

Criterion 8.4 Incorporation of monitoring results into the management plan

Strengths A good example of this was the reduction in pesticide use at Trostan that resulted from monitoring weevil populations and forecasting damage.

Weaknesses

Compliance Sampling of records confirms that monitoring data is used to inform management plan reviews.

Criterion 8.5 Publicly available summary of monitoring

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Summary monitoring data is readily available from electronic records for public availability.

PRINCIPLE 9: HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FORESTS

Criterion 9.1 Evaluation to determine high conservation value attributes

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance In common with other UK managers, DGA have determined through consultation with national stakeholders that designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) shall be classed as HCVF. DGA have then reviewed all woods and forests under their management for the presence of such woodland sites and incorporated special measures into the relevant management plans. Measures include identification of boundaries and mapping plus agreement with stakeholders how such sites should be managed to maintain and enhance their HCVF status.

No Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands (ASNW) or Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) were encountered during audit other than the small area of native woodland SSSI at Bruntshielbog.. This site was known to the managers, identified & mapped within management plan documentation and protective measures agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage as the conservation stakeholder involved. Site visit confirmed the site was being appropriately managed accordingly.

However, despite the small amount of HCVF encountered, at least 15% of the forest areas of sites visited showed evidence of primary management for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, even if they did not contain HCVF, demonstrating an UKWAS compliant approach to conservation and enhancement of biodiversity by DGA. All Management Plans include a table showing planned progress toward achieving UKWAS compliance and all Management Plans are now compliant.

Criterion 9.2 Consultation process

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Hard copies and electronic copies of stakeholder lists were available. There was evidence of the normal Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS / SFGS / long term Forest Plan) process

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working, including appropriate levels of consultation under the guidance of the Forestry Commission. SACs, SSSIs and ASNW are regarded within the UK as HCVFs by all statutory consultees.

Criterion 9.3 Measures to maintain and enhance high conservation value attributes

Strengths A DGA forester had a good knowledge of LBAP species requirements.

Weaknesses

Compliance All DGA Management Plans include details and maps of important species and sites.

At the woodland SSSI, Bruntshielbog, the property was being managed according to FC Forestry Practice Guides with natural regeneration the preferred method of restocking after removal of exotic conifers.

Criterion 9.4 Monitoring to assess effectiveness

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance There is an adequate monitoring process to assess the effectiveness of the measures employed to maintain or enhance the applicable conservation attributes. . Work is also supported by stakeholder contributions where appropriate from the government bodies of the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage / Natural England plus NGOs and local community interest groups or individuals.

PRINCIPLE 10: PLANTATIONS

Criterion 10.1 Statement of objectives in the management plan

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance The management plans for all properties clearly state the primarily commercial objectives of plantation forests.

Criterion 10.2 Plantation design and layout

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Management plans provide maps and descriptions relating to the locations and management of natural vegetation, native woodlands and other biodiversity conservation areas. The scale and layout of forest blocks is consistent with the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard.

Criterion 10.3 Diversity in composition

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Species variety, clearfell size and restructuring of plantations are planned for in all Management Plans according to the requirements laid down in the UKWAS.

Criterion 10.4 Species selection

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Species selection meets the requirements of the UKWAS. Exotic species are commonly used in British forestry. The species used have been used for many years; they outperform native species and fully meet the management objectives.

Criterion 10.5 Restoration of natural forest

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Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance The condition of plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) requires assessment and management plans should make provision for the restoration of those sites continuing to support native vegetation. No opportunities for site visits with PAWS arose. Check at next surveillance.

Criterion 10.6 Impacts on soil and water

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Environmental protection measures, such as brash matting for harvesting machinery to run on, were in evidence. Contractors interviewed were familiar with use of pollution control kits if required.

Criterion 10.7 Pests and diseases

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Regular inspections of tree health are routinely made. Chemical use for pest control is carefully controlled and application is based on assessing the need. E.g. control of Pine weevil. DGA have a documented policy to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals where possible and to use alternatives to chemicals where they are suited to the site and the management objectives.

Key mitigation methods by DGA involve ground preparation such as mounding where appropriate and the use of plants supplied by nurseries already ‘dipped’ with insecticide where DGA judge risk of attack is sufficiently high.

Criterion 10.8 Monitoring of impacts, species testing and tenure rights

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance See preceding comments under Principles sections 8 and 2.

Criterion 10.9 Plantations established in areas converted from natural forests after November 1994

Strengths

Weaknesses

Compliance Not applicable.

10. CERTIFICATION DECISION

SGS considers that DGA’s forest management of its DGA Group Scheme forests in the UK can be can be certified as:

i. There are no outstanding Major Corrective Action Requests

ii. The outstanding Minor Corrective Action Requests do not preclude certification, but DGA is required to take the agreed actions before next surveillance. These will be verified by SGS QUALIFOR at the first surveillance to be carried out about 12 months from the date of the issuance of the certificate. If satisfactory actions have been taken, the CARs will be ‘closed out’; otherwise, Minor CARs will be raised to Major CARs.

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iii. The management system, if implemented as described, is capable of ensuring that all of the requirements of the applicable standard(s) are met over the whole forest area covered by the scope of the evaluation;

iv. The certificate holder has demonstrated, subject to the specified corrective actions, that the described system of management is being implemented consistently over the whole forest area covered by the scope of the certificate.

11. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION

During the surveillance evaluation, it is assessed if there is continuing compliance with the requirements of the Qualifor Programme. Any areas of non-conformance with the QUALIFOR Programme are raised as one of two types of Corrective Action Request (CAR):

01. Major CARs - which must be addressed and closed out urgently with an agreed short time frame since the organisation is already a QUALIFOR certified organisation. Failure to close out within the agreed time frame can lead to suspension of the certificate.

02. Minor CARs - which must be addressed within an agreed time frame, and will normally be checked at the next surveillance visit

The full record of CARs raised over the certification period is listed under section 12 below.

The table below provides a progressive summary of findings for each surveillance. A complete record of observations demonstrating compliance or non-compliance with each criterion of the Forest Stewardship Standard is contained in a separate document that does not form part of the public summary.

MAIN EVALUATION

Issues that were hard to assess

No issues were hard to assess.

Number of CARs raised 2 existing Minor CARs were closed. No New Major CARs and 3 new Minor CARs were raised.

SURVEILLANCE 1


None

Number of CARs closed 3 Outstanding CARs were closed.

Nr of CARs remaining open 0 Outstanding CARs from previous evaluations were not closed.

New CARs raised 0 New Major CARs and 1 new Minor CAR were raised.

Recommendation The forest management of the forests of DGA Forestry remains certified as:

� The management system is capable of ensuring that all of the requirements of the applicable standard(s) are met over the whole forest area covered by the scope of the evaluation; and

� The certificate holder has demonstrated, subject to the specified corrective actions, that the described system of management is being implemented consistently over the whole forest area covered by the scope of the certificate.

SURVEILLANCE 2


Number of CARs closed

Nr of CARs remaining open

Nr of New CARs raised

Recommendation

SURVEILLANCE 3

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Recommendation

SURVEILLANCE 4





Recommendation

12. RECORD OF CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUESTS (CARS)

CAR # Indicator CAR Detail

06 UKWAS 6.2.1

Date Recorded>

11 Mar 2009 Due Date> Next

assessment Date Closed> 5 Aug 2009

Non-Conformance: Biodiversity - Natural Reserves & Long Term Retentions

Management planning documentation and field visits did not demonstrate compliance with the requirement for Natural Reserves (NRs) and Long Term Retentions (LTRs).

Objective Evidence:

Management Plans for Mosscastle and North Cobbinshaw indicated percentages for NRs and LTRs but no areas were provided, they were not indicated on maps and could not be verified in the field.

Close-out evidence:

Both Management Plans referred to, and all those inspected during audit, now include details of NRs and LTRs along with maps.

CAR 06 closed.

07 SGS Qualifor Group Scheme checklist AD34

5.1 d)

Date Recorded>

11 Mar 2009 Due Date> Next

assessment Date Closed> 5 Aug 2009

Non-Conformance: Group Scheme Admin – Internal auditing

Insufficient surveillance visits had been conducted for some Group Scheme members.

Objective Evidence:

No surveillance visits had been made to Munches and Dunesslin since 2000.

Close-out evidence:

Group Scheme procedures have been reviewed and revised. Procedures have been clarified to members, who are now required to submit an ‘Annual Monitoring Summary’ on a specific pro forma to DGA. Failure to submit this is regarded as non-compliance in the scheme. In addition, each Group member property will be subject to an ‘Internal Audit Review’ (IAR) by the Group Scheme manager using the Membership Application Checklist. A minimum of twenty percent of Group members will be sampled each year with an IAR and all members will be sampled at least once during the period of the certificate.

Munches have not responded to repeated correspondence and have been withdrawn from the group scheme. Dunesslin has been subjected to an IAR.

CAR 07 closed.

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3.1 b)

Date Recorded>

5 Aug 2009 Due Date> Next

Surveillance Date Closed>

12 August 2010

Non-Conformance: Group Scheme Admin – Entry assessment

The Group Scheme management system does not always ensure that members conform to policy. There are gaps in awareness of woodland management practice for UKWAS compliance by a group member.

Objective Evidence:

At Arriesgill (Group Member) Long Term Retentions have been designated and mapped but dialogue with the manager makes clear some of these are meant to be or might better be designated as Natural Reserves. The manager relies upon an albeit experienced contractor with an operator proficiency certificate but the manager should also clearly know the technical name for the insecticide to be used for weevil control in order to properly instruct the contractor. The manager was not aware that there was a published second edition of the UKWAS.

Close-out evidence:

The specific failings at Arriesgill have been addressed (See also Observation 01). The Membership Application Checklist (MAC) was originally devised to meet the needs of new RM applications and failed to address specific requirements re- Group members. The MAC has been completely revised to address these failings and to update re- UKWAS 2

nd edition.

CAR 01 closed.

02 UKWAS 6.2.1

Date Recorded>

5 Aug 2009 Due Date> Next Surveillance Date

Closed> 12 August

2010

Non-Conformance: Biodiversity - Deadwood

Actions to provide deadwood habitats are not clearly referenced within management planning.

Objective Evidence:

Although all managers interviewed understood the principle of deadwood management, there are gaps in knowledge of UKWAS compliance requirements.

At Arriesgill (Group member) there is no clear reference to planning for deadwood neither within the management plan, nor in dialogue with the manager. This was raised at Arriesgill as an observation at entry into the DGA Group Scheme in May 2007 but there is still no adequate reference. As an upland plantation dominated by Spruce, including areas that were previously thinned, good opportunities are limited. There has been no documented or mapped appraisal of the whole forest to identify areas where deadwood is likely to be of greatest value. It is evident from dialogue with the manager and from clearfells undertaken in 2007 that there has been no assessment whether it will be necessary to create snags and fallen deadwood. These are absent to date. The best opportunities are within existing Long Term retentions and Natural Reserves once their designation has been reviewed. Other opportunities lie within small areas of windblow. No such strategy has been documented.

From dialogue during the audit, some DGA managers do not fully appreciate the requirements within UKWAS 2

nd edition for achieving deadwood.

Close-out evidence:

DGA has produced a new policy on deadwood conservation that addresses the issues raised. In addition, a new Pre-commencement Checklist has been prepared, which ensures that deadwood awareness and UKWAS requirements are related to timber merchants, contractors and operators before commencement of harvesting operations. Deadwood provision relating to Group members is covered by the revised MAC (see CAR 01 above).

CAR 02 closed.

03 UKWAS

6.4.2

Date Recorded>

5 Aug 2009 Due Date> Next

Surveillance Date Closed>

12 August 2010

Non-Conformance: Game management – Native species

There is insufficient evidence that managers have considered the impacts of shooting on native game and quarry species.

Objective Evidence:

DGA has a clear policy that its shooting leases will not permit hunting and shooting to threaten the local viability of populations of game and quarry species but shooting leases do not reflect this. There are outdated references to ‘vermin’ in shooting leases.

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Close-out evidence:

A new DGA shooting lease template has been prepared that fully addresses these shortcomings.

CAR 03 closed.

04 UKWAS

2.1.1

FSCUK

7.1.1

Date Recorded>

12 August 2010

Due Date> Next

Surveillance Date Closed> open

Non-Conformance: Game management – Native species

No Management Plan was available for a Group member.

Objective Evidence:

At Kirkhill (Group member), no Management Plan or relevant documentation was available. The Kirkhill manager had stated in his 2009 Annual Monitoring Summary (13.07.09) that no management plan was available, yet one had not been made available since then. Apparently both the Group Scheme manager and the Kirkhill manager were aware of a pending MP revision, but none was available at the audit.

Close-out evidence:

.

13. RECORD OF OBSERVATIONS

OBS # Indicator Observation Detail

2nd

Cert

UKWAS 6.1.2

Date Recorded> 11 Mar 2009 Date Closed> 05 Aug 2009

Observation: Biodiversity - Designated Sites

Foresters had little knowledge of a SSSI shown to be adjacent to North Cobbinshaw, or of any potential threats from woodland management. However, the freshwater reservoir adjacent to North Cobbinshaw is wrongly labelled as a SSSI on the Management Plan constraints map. The actual SSSI is actually to the south and does not lie directly adjacent to the forest. The map labelling should be rectified.

Follow-up evidence:

There is now a good awareness of the SSSI designation by DGA.

Observation closed.


Date Recorded> 5 Aug 2009 Date Closed> 12 August 2010

Observation: Group Scheme Management – Internal auditing

Under the newly introduced procedures for management and monitoring of the Group Scheme, Arriesgill is due for an Internal Audit review before the next surveillance.

Follow-up evidence:

An IAR was scheduled for Arriesgill on 27th August 2010 and has now been completed. One Major

and three Minor Remedial Action Requests and four Observations were raised by the certification manager. The Major RAR was in regard to non-compliance with soil and water guidelines and was given a 1 week close-out. This has now been closed.

Observation 01 closed.

Continue to check compliance at next surveillance.

02 UKWAS 1.1.2


Observation: Conformance with the spirit of the standard – Deadwood and ASNW

There is insufficient conformance with the spirit of the standard with regard to knowledge of deadwood and Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) management. Some DGA foresters had insufficient knowledge or awareness of the content of the guidelines on deadwood and ASNW management.

Follow-up evidence:

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DGA has produced a new policy on deadwood conservation that addresses the issues raised. In addition, a new Pre-commencement Checklist has been prepared, which ensures that deadwood awareness and UKWAS requirements are related to timber merchants, contractors and operators before commencement of harvesting operations. Deadwood provision relating to Group members is covered by the revised MAC (see CAR 01 and 02 above).

Interviews with staff and a harvesting operator at Trostan indicated a sound awareness of deadwood requirements.


03 UKWAS 2.1.1


Observation: Management planning – Identification of special characteristics and sensitivities of the woodland

Managers need to be fully aware of conservation and archaeological information contained within management plans and know the appropriate organisations to contact if required. At Bruntshielbog there is an adjacent Special Protection Area (SPA) for a rare bird species. Although DGA area aware of the SPA, the bird’s species identification is not clearly known to DGA but the management plan indicates it could be affected by forestry operations. Nor is the appropriate Scottish Natural Heritage office contact for this SPA known. There are two areas of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) but DGA is not properly aware of its ASNW type. There is reference to an archaeological feature (an old lade) within the management plan including which compartment it is probably to be found within as well as outside the boundary. Although no operations have taken place within cpt 20, its reference and the presence of the feature is not well known to DGA.

Follow-up evidence:

All Management Plans contain reference to sites with special characteristics and sensitivities. Following an internal review of all properties, managers have a raised level of awareness of the sensitivities relevant to their particular sites and have updated records from relevant Agencies.


04 UKWAS 2.3.3


Observation: Monitoring – Replanting records kept in a form that ensures long-term use.

UKWAS requires that monitoring records shall be kept and be in a form which ensures that they are of use over the long term. Replanting records must be in a sufficiently robust form to be of use over the long term. At present DGA maintain file records of plant supply certificates. Therefore it will be important for long-term future reference, particularly in view of climate change, that accurate plant origin records down to compartment or coupe level can be easily accessed by the next generation of forest managers. DGA are considering additional electronic recording.

Follow-up evidence:

Plant Passports are retained in property files together with grant claims and restocking maps. DGA do not impose disposal dates on these files; they are retained in perpetuity. Forest compartment databases are also being revised to provide an additional column showing the provenance of improved Sitka spruce planted in restocked coupes.


05 UKWAS 4.2.1


Observation: Operations - Ground damage (Group Scheme - Middlebie Glen)

A recently thinned site at Middlebie Glen (Group Member) had been left badly rutted, with extensive ground damage. DGA informed the owner that they will immediately raise a Remedial Action Request (RAR) requiring reinstatement of the site. A copy of the RAR has been received by SGS. The owner’s response will be reviewed at next surveillance.

Follow-up evidence:

A follow-up inspection was conducted by DGA in August 2010, and photographs taken. Little remedial work had been conducted by the owner due to his concerns about causing additional damage. This fertile site had clearly recovered satisfactorily.


06 UKWAS 5.2.1


Observation: Biological Control Agents – Policy and Strategy

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UKWAS requires that managers prepare an effective strategy for minimising the use of Biological Control Agents (BCA), similar to the requirement for minimising the use of Pesticides. With the recent outbreak of Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans) in Galloway this year, which

may be predated by the BCA Rhizophagus grandis, together with the technical capability of the

possibility under some conditions of control of weevils (Hylobius) by BCA nematodes, it is timely that

DGA put into writing that which can be well articulated verbally.

Follow-up evidence:

No BCA has been used on DGA properties. A new policy on Biological Control Agents has been drafted, which effectively covers opportunities to use such agents when the need arises and in accordance with available guidance from FC.


07 UKWAS 6.1.1


Observation: Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species – Local BAP consultation

Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Officers are not always consulted about the possible presence of these important species. LBAP Officers provide a valuable route to gaining knowledge that has not been used.

Follow-up evidence:

LBAP officers have been added to DGA global and individual property stakeholder lists They will be consulted by email with regard to habitat and species information at forest locations and will be added to lists of consultees for new forest plans.


08 UKWAS 6.4.1


Observation: Hunting, game rearing and shooting – Codes of Practice

DGA Policy Note 19 and some shooting leases use the ambiguous, and outdated term ‘vermin’. These should be revised to provide more specific information on particular species being targeted.

Follow-up evidence:

A new DGA shooting lease template has been prepared. The word ‘vermin’ has been removed and information on particular species provided.


09 UKWAS 8.1.2


Observation: First Aid - Training and Procedures

At the Craigengillan active harvesting site the harvester operator was the site safety co-ordinator (SSC), a defined responsibility in operational health & safety planning. Although both the SSC and his appointed deputy had suitable first aid training qualifications, the SSC did not know if any of the other three operators working on site, including his deputy, had them and the deputy was not sure whether the SSC had. The SSC had a large wound dressing in his machine’s first aid kit but was not sure and was unfamiliar with the dressing’s location in the kit. DGA managers are unaware of impending (October) changes to first aid training requirements under revised Health & Safety regulations.

Follow-up evidence:

This deficiency in contract management has been addressed in the new Pre-Commencement Checklist and implemented in harvesting operations and machine working.



Date Recorded> 12 August 2010 Date Closed> open

Observation: Annual Management Summary – Group Scheme

The Annual Management Summary (AMS) required by DGA from Group Members request a summary of activities in the preceding year, but does not request future plans. A summary of future plans would aid effective monitoring by the Group Scheme manager.

Follow-up evidence:

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11 UKWAS 4.2.1

FSCUK

6.5.1


Observation: Operational Planning

At Kirkhill (Group member) insufficient guidance had been given to a harvesting operator. His knowledge of deadwood requirements was vague and potential biodiversity areas (checked spruce on wet sites) had been used to provide brash mats.

An internal CAR (Remedial Action Request (RAR)) was raised by the Group Scheme manager.

Follow-up evidence:

12 UKWAS 4.3.2

FSCUK

6.5.2


Observation: Harvesting Operations – Extraction tracks

At Kirkhill (Group member) rutting damage had occurred to a forwarder track with insufficient remedial action.

An internal CAR (Remedial Action Request (RAR)) was raised by the Group Scheme manager prior to any comment by SGS..

Follow-up evidence:

13 UKWAS 6.3.2

FSCUK

10.5.1


Observation: PAWS – Restoration

At Barnsoul and Barsoules insufficient attention had been given to areas of remnant vegetation. In small areas of two larger sites clear-felling was inappropriate. Some way of avoiding clearfelling these smaller areas, by thinning or selective felling, should have been contemplated as a means of protecting the remnant vegetation from complete change in habitat conditions for these small areas.

Follow-up evidence:

14. RECORD OF STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS AND INTERVIEWS

Nr Comment Response

Main Evaluation

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Nr Comment Response

Main Evaluation

1 NGO – General comments for forest management (not specific to DGA) Re. the new rights of public access set out in part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 :

the potential to exercised access rights should always be present ; as a minimum standard of accessibility it would be expected that there be somewhere a car might be parked safely off a public road, probably at the main entry point and, if the main entry is locked then there should be an all-purpose gate for public access, allowing for pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders depending on local circumstances ; where a public right of way (under the pre-legislation arrangements) or a core path designated under the new Act exists, forest management must not impede its use ; limitations on the exercise of access rights should be based on the minimum area, least time principle, set out in the Access Code, bearing in mind that public rights of way cannot readily be closed ; there is no obligation in the Act for any manager to make formal provision for recreational use of a woodland – the obligation is to ensure that the exercise of access rights is not unreasonably impeded – but where there is public demand, either locally or for incoming visitors to the area, then it would be a responsible contribution to the local community to make such provision.

Throughout the audit DGA’s clients and forest management were not impeding exercise of access rights as per the new legislation. There were several examples where public access had been facilitated. No concerns over UKWAS compliance on this issue.

2 Government – re. Archaeology. Can DGA supply GIS shape files ? Such a facility would be a good mechanism to assist future consultations for this organisation. No concerns otherwise.

Given the expertise of one of its managers, DGA is close to developing this capacity. Once attained, this will be mentioned to the organisation.

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Nr Comment Response

Main Evaluation

3 Government – re. Timber transport : Planning – DGA follows full procedures, consults well, involved in Agreed Route Map planning through the medium of Timber Transport Groups. DGA staff members attend TTG meetings through out south Scotland ; Transportation - Through out its timber transportation operations DGA use professional and competent operators. All these support and work within industry guidelines relating to timber haulage. Many have signed various Charters supporting the TTGs and attend the meetings and give important feed back and support to Timber Transport. Examples, Dumfries & Galloway TTG Charter signatories; John Miller Limited, Euroforest Limited, James Jones and Sons Ltd. These firms also have regular representatives attend and support TTG meetings ; Relationship with the local community – DGA undertakes local consultation, involving private individuals, government bodies and NGOs ; Contribution to local development - As part of the Forest industry in Scotland, DGA are a major contributor to the rural economy.

Noted. Throughout the audit there was evidence of compliance re. timber transport.

4 NGO – No comments to make. Noted.

5 Government – re. natural heritage and conservation : Planning – DGA have good standards ; Environmental management – DGA have good standards ; Relationship with the local community – DGA have good relationships ; Other aspects – DGA have prepared a series of reports on proposals to remove woodland from raised bog Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This work has not been forest management but provision of advice on woodland removal. This advice was found helpful and it has been provided in well written and presented reports.

Noted.

6 Government – Competent firm, no concerns.

Noted.

7 Other – DGA are good at contract management and no problems in dealing with them.

Noted.

Surveillance 1

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Nr Comment Response

Main Evaluation

1 NGO - River and Fisheries Trust :

Re- Eldridge.

Commented that the consultation documents were excellent, as was the scoping report. In general the recent communications regarding forestry developments have been excellent. A bit too detailed in fact, but it is good to be given the opportunity to respond. I always try to respond especially if there are significant water issues.

Noted and passed to certificate holder.

2 Other – Neighbour :

Re. Wester Essenside following a recent harvesting operation commented as follows.

I can honestly say that I have been very impressed with DGA management overall. Living on the edge of commercial forestry I had; in all honesty expected more disruption to the daily routine than we actually had. I would go as far as to say that other than several acres of trees are missing, I wouldn’t have noticed they were there. The site is always well kept and tidy with no litter or scrap laying around. The only litter ever found is from hill walkers and ramblers, however this is generally collected within a day or so by my family and one or two neighbours who walk around the forestry. The tracks are generally in good order and never blocked with brash as you often find elsewhere. Even at the height of the operations the forestry was kept tidy and clearly safety was a high consideration for the operatives with machinery parked sensibly and all fuel and equipment secured and out of harm’s way.

The transport contractor used have also been very courteous, keeping speeds down to a minimum and not cutting across verges etc. Although the second contractor who collected the stumps tend to travel in pairs which makes use of the passing places a bit awkward at times, in summary, I have no problems with DGA and would happily give them a positive testimonial at any time.

Noted and passed to certificate holder.

Surveillance 2

Surveillance 3

Surveillance 4

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Nr Comment Response

Main Evaluation

15. RECORD OF COMPLAINTS

Nr Detail

Complaint: Date Recorded > dd MMM yy

No complaints to date.

Objective evidence obtained:

Close-out information: Date Closed > dd MMM yy

ANNEXURE 1

List of Group Certificate Members

DGA Resource Manager Members

Name of member Contact Details Geographical Co-ordinates

Owner’s name

and forest name

Resource member e.g.

per DGA office postal address etc.

Longitude E/W in degrees & minutes

Latitude N in degrees & minutes

[Express both as a minimum of 2 digits, e.g.

Longitude 01’ 15” west,; Latitude 55’ 54” north]

Latitude Longitude

Armeria [UK] LLP

Castletown

DGA Forestry

Lochanhead Wood, Lochanhead,

Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°57′26″ north 03°00´59″ west

Auchrobert Forestry

Camrie

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°54′40″ north 04°48′34″ west

Auchrobert Forestry,

Crystal

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°53′41″ north 02°31′45″ west

Bailey, R. and Neame, C.

Troston Forest

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°59′58″ north 03°39′59″ west

AD 36A-09 of 47

Boston, I. [Dr.] and Johnston, S.

Craigengillan South

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°13′48″ north 04°09′20″ west

Cassidy, A.A. – Childrens’ Trust

Hopekist Rig

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°33′21″ north 03°21′53″ west

Clark-Maxwell, J. [Dr.]

Speddoch and Drumhumphry

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°06′36″ north 03°48′15″ west

Crombie, Mrs E,

Tinlee

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°18′33″ north 02°49′14″ west

Curry, R.C.

Ingleston

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°52′45″ north 03°54′39″ west

Donaldson, Mr and Mrs

Barjarg

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°11′35″ north 03°46′01″ west

Douglas Forestry

Muldron Forest

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°47′39″ north 03°43′26″ west

Dunlin Ltd

Ervie Estates

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°02′32″ north 04°05′55″ west

Dunlin Ltd.

Lochingirroch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°21′01″ north 04°10′12″ west

Ellis 1998 Settlement,

Chellis

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°07′13″ north 04°41′55″ west

Ellis, Mrs D.M. 1961 Ilmarish Settlement

Whitecleuch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°54′14″ north 02°30′48″ west

E.V.S.S. Forestry Ltd.

Capelcleuch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°18′31″ north 02°54′54″ west

Fothergill, M.

Lowbridge

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°24′12″ north 02°42′52″ west

Fothergill, P.

Auchenfad

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°00′35″ north 03°38′53″ west

Forsyth, N.L. DGA Forestry 54°56′14″ north 04°17′12″ west

AD 36A-09 of 47

Clints of Dromore Lochanhead Wood, Lochanhead,

Dumfries, DG2 8JB

F.R.C.S. Forestry Ltd

Cauldcleuch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°18′31″ north 02°54′54″ west

Galbraith Family Woodlands

Bruntshielbog and Millsteads

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°08′15″ north 02°56′33″ west

Galbraith Family Woodlands

Glassingall

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

56°12′01″ north 03°54′41″ west

Glenalla Forest Ltd

Glenalla

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°16′47″ north 04°36′25″ west

Grant D.F. and R.E.

Burrance of Courance

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°12′30″ north 03°30′08″ west

Kenneths of Stronachullin

Stronachullin

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°57′49″ north 05°26′58″ west

Liverpool, Countess of,

North Cobbinshaw

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°48′34″ north 03°34′52″ west

Low, W.R.M.

Barsoles

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°56′39″ north 03°50′41″ west

Matterson, J.

Cleuch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°28′14″ north 03°45′30″ west

McKune, K.

Mosscastle

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°29′51″ north 03°50′32″

McKune K

Ravenstone

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°45′14″ north 04°28′30″ west

McKune, Mrs

Smilecleuch

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°23′26″ north 03°56′23″ west

McKune, Mrs

Sunnyside

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°23′37″ north 03°57′09″ west

Midgen, S.I

Blaen Egel.

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

51°46′20″ north 03°51′07″ west

AD 36A-09 of 47

Midgen, S.I.

Drumsmuir

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°42′18″ north 03°47′13″ west

Midgen, S.I.

Knockinaam

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°50′09″ north 05°03′12″ west

Notcutts Ltd.

Eldridge Hill

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°09′39 north 04°53′23″ west

Salvesen, Mrs Sari,

Hawkhill

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°18′33″ north 02°49′14″ west

Scott, A.

Gelston Castle Estate

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°54′24″ north 03°55′11″ west

Scouller, Mrs G

Loch A’Bharra

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°48′32″ north 05°32′39″ west

Troston Estate

Troston Estate

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°11′01″ north 04°04′08″ west

Wight, A.

Barnsoul

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°04′50″ north 03°45′43″ west

Wilkinson, Mrs E.J.

Wester Essenside

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

55°28′20″ north 02°53′20″ west

Weatherall Scott Trust

Orchardton

DGA Forestry


Dumfries, DG2 8JB

54°54′24″ north 03°55′11″ west

Group Member Manager Members

Name of member Contact Details Geographical Co-ordinates

Owner’s name

and forest name

Group member - address

.

Longitude E/W in degrees & minutes

Latitude N in degrees & minutes

[Express both as a minimum of 2 digits, e.g.

Longitude 01’ 15” west,; Latitude 55’ 54” north]

Latitude Longitude

Bryson, James

Middlebie Glen

Glendale,

Middlebie,

Lockerbie, DG11 3JW

55°04′20″ north 03°13′34″ west

Dalrymple-Hamilton, N.J.

Bargany Estate

Bargany Estate Office,

Girvan, Ayrshire, KA26 9QL

55°15′48x north 04°45′53″ west

AD 36A-09 of 47

Livingstone Trustees

Livingstone Woodlands

c/o W.G.N. Gourlay

GM Thomson

35 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries

DG1 2AB

54°59′00″ north 04°00′50″ west

Salvesen, A

Arresgill

Whitburgh Estate Office

Pathhead

Midlothian

EH37 5SR

55°09′′37″ north 04°00′50″ west

Valmar Investments and Holdings

Kirkhill

c/o Peter Dernie

GM Thomson

The Estate Office, Hoddam,

Lockerbie

DG11 1BE

55°03′36″ north 03°25′36″ west

End of Public Summary

FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION REPORT - SGS · Sandy Anderson, Senior Partner Address: DGA...

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