KEY
MP    Management Planning Guidance and Framework
BAP  Biodiversity Action Plan
FRM  Forest Reproductive Material Regulations		 References. See Appendix for references which give further guidance.
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4.2 Harvest operations
4.2.1

Requirement

Harvesting operations shall conform to all relevant guidelines.

Means of verification

All woodlands:
  • Field observations
  • Discussions with the owner/manager and employees.
Non-SLIM woodlands:
  • Monitoring and internal audit records.

MP
 4.2.2 Guidance

Requirement

Timber shall be harvested efficiently and with minimum loss or damage.

Means of verification

  • Field observation.

Harvesting should particularly seek to avoid:

  • Damage to soil and water courses during felling, extraction and burning
  • Damage to standing trees during felling, extraction and burning
  • Timber degrade.
Thinning to waste may be appropriate in some circumstances.
MP
 4.2.3 Guidance

Requirement

Lop and top shall be burnt only where there is demonstrable management benefit, after full consideration of impacts.

Means of verification

SLIM woodlands:
  • Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered
  • Evidence of registration of exempt activity.
Non-SLIM woodlands:
  • Documented appraisal
  • Evidence of registration of exempt activity.

If lop and top is burned:

  • The location and density of fire sites should be carefully planned
  • Some lop and top should be left unburned as habitat except where it will result in pest or disease problems.

Burning on site must be registered as an exempt activity with the statutory environment protection agencies in accordance with the Waste Management Regulations 1994 (plus amendments).
MP
 4.2.4 Guidance

Requirement

Whole tree harvesting shall not be practised where it is likely to have significant negative effects.

Means of verification

SLIM woodlands:
  • Discussion with the owner/manager demonstrates awareness that impacts have been considered.
Non-SLIM woodlands:
  • Documented appraisal.

Significant negative impacts to consider include:

  • Leaching
  • Soil compaction
  • Nutrient loss.
Operator safety should be considered.