Respondents to the industry surveys run by Forest Research were asked to report on volumes of wood that are certified. 75% of private sector softwood removals in 2017 were from certified sources (Table 2.28). The percentage of private sector softwood removals that are certified has fluctuated over recent years; industry experts have indicated a general reduction in the level of certification amongst smaller estates and an increase in production from larger estates.
As nearly all removals from Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales and Forest Service woodland are certified, this equates to around 86% of all softwood removals in 2017 from certified sources.
70% of sawmills’ roundwood consumption in 2017 was certified. For round fencing manufacturers, 64% of total softwood consumption was certified.
Table 2.28 Per cent of volume certified, 2008-2017
Year | Removals | Sawmills | Round fencing manufacturers | |
Softwood from Private sector woodland | Total softwood (including all removals from FC/NRW/FS woodland) | Consumption (softwood and hardwood) | Consumption (softwood) | |
per cent certified volume | ||||
2008 | 65 | 84 | 77 | 60 |
2009 | 68 | 87 | 74 | 50 |
2010 | 73 | 87 | 74 | 62 |
2011 | 72 | 85 | 68 | 61 |
2012 | 70 | 84 | 71 | 60 |
2013 | 76 | 87 | 69 | 55 |
2014 | 72 | 84 | 70 | 69 |
2015 | 69 | 83 | 66 | 71 |
2016 | 66 | 82 | 69 | 70 |
2017 | 75 | 86 | 70 | 64 |
Source: industry surveys
Sources chapter: Timber