From birds and mammals, to fungi and lichen, to a huge range of insects and spiders. Many of these species are protected or are national priorities for conservation action.
How is wildlife considered in timber production?
The UK Forestry Standard requires that:
- surveys are undertaken to identify if any protected or priority species are present before work begins
- if such species are present, avoidance or mitigation measures must be implemented to prevent harm
- habitat management should aim to maintain or enhance conditions for these species
Crucially:
- many of these species are protected from disturbance when they are breeding
- for some species, their resting places and breeding sites are protected
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) specifies is the main legislation that specifies this legal protection. And the forestry sector expends significant effort complying with the law.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (legislation.gov.uk)
On a routine basis, forest managers deploy mitigation to consider wildlife protection with timber production.
Typically, this involves either:
- delaying operations until the breeding season is completed
- setting up protective buffers around nests or setts or dens (and avoiding work within these areas)
