NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has been re-certified for the 20th year running for the sustainable management of its forests by new leading certification body the Soil Association.

Certification for sustainable forest management is measured against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), which provides an independent standard for certification of woodlands across the UK.

The UKWAS is used as the basis for the two accredited forest certification schemes operating in the UK; the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Rachel Chamberlain, team leader in estate planning for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The timber industry is a vital part of the Welsh economy and at NRW we are proud to play a key role in supporting it.

“We’re the largest timber supplier in Wales, and our forestry operations support thousands of jobs and contribute millions of pounds a year, as well as helping us to combat climate change through sustainable forestry management practices.

“Around 850,000 cubic metres of timber are sustainably sourced from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Carrying this certification system means that we can reassure our customers that wood, paper and other products that come from our forests are from a sustainable source.”