Summary

As a responsible landowner, Kelda Group is committed to conserve and enhance biodiversity and provide sustainable access and recreation.  Yorkshire Water's Woodland Management Strategy achieved accreditation to the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) standards for all our woodland holdings in March 2005.

Case Study

Yorkshire Water owns 1700+ hectares of Pennine catchment woodland originally planted to manage the quality and quantity of water for supply. Poor species choice, planting design and variable management has not always met this objective. YWS has now implemented a holistic approach to woodland management to sustain quality water collection, deliver public access, stimulate community participation and timber production.

Management of our woodlands aims to increase the age and species structure to favour native broadleaves, reduce the management intensity and improve the biodiversity value of the woodland. We aim to manage our woodlands in a manner sympathetic with the surrounding landscape, and in a way that will safeguard raw water quality throughout the preparation, establishment, growth, crop improvement and production cycle. Forest design plans are implemented in negotiation with the Forestry Commission.

Yorkshire Water recently achieved accreditation from the Forestry Stewardship Council for all the woodland owned by the company.  Accreditation to this world standard demonstrates Yorkshire Water’s commitments to meet strict environmental, social and economic standards in its woodland management programme.

Our woodlands have been assessed against the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme, which is recognised by the Forestry Stewardship Council as the FSC(UK) standard. As a result, we are now a member of the Independent Forestry Group Certification Scheme. Yorkshire Water wood products can now display the world recognised symbol of timber sustainability. 

Through implementing a Woodland Management Strategy that takes water quality as its core objective, we deliver benefits to the wider environment. The Strategy sustains quality water (collection and supply), timber production and landscapes whilst protecting heritage and habitats, and enhancing biodiversity. Our stewardship of the environment is creating truly sustainable woodland for now and the future.

Benefits

• Cost-effective local contractors, sustains rural employment and businesses.
• Habitats are created through the conservation and enhancement of woodland habitats and by working with local wildlife groups.
• Increased public access has given our customers and visitors the opportunity to use our land for recreational purposes.
• Other partnerships deliver funding support. The White Rose Forest Partnership with YWS, secured funding to 98% of costs, planting a new 6 hectare native wood.
• FSC accreditation maintains market share and delivers sustainable timber to local, national and world markets.
• Skilled managers delivering best practice have contributed to the development of regional and national timber policies.