5. Social responsibility

Requirement

There shall be design planning documentation which incorporates the social aspects of sustainable forest management set out in the UK Forestry Standard and these standards shall be maintained throughout the lifetime of the project.

Safeguarding/no harm and likely social benefits are checked at validation. If the project monitors social benefits, these can be checked at each verification.

Safeguarding / ensuring no harm is done and managing for positive social outcomes

UK Forestry Standard:  In order safeguard against negative social outcomes and ensure no harm is done, as well as to manage for positive social outcomes, the project needs to incorporate the social aspects of sustainable forest management as set out in the UK Forestry Standard and supporting Guidelines for Forests and People.

Where a woodland creation grant has been applied for, the information supplied for a grant application will help.

Scottish Government's Interim Principles for Responsible Investment in Natural Capital provides further guidance for those thinking of create carbon units on their land. The Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement 2022 helps guide the process of land reform in Scotland.

Monitoring and making statements about the social benefit of a WCC project

Project Developers use the Woodland Benefits Tool to presenting the likely social outcomes of their projects. Projects are scored (out of 5) for the likely benefits in the following areas: