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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

Additional resources

Sources chapter: Timber

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