Dual certification has been achieved for 170,000 hectares of forests, meaning timber sourced in the UK from UPM Tilhill-managed woodland can display either of the logos.

It is the first time that PEFC forest management has been available in the UK.

George McRobbie, forestry director for UPM Tilhill, said: "We have had a number of buyers of timber and other forest products looking for PEFC-certified timber from UK forests, and this move anticipates what I believe will be an increasing demand."

UPM Tilhill was established 60 years ago and harvests more timber than any other British company.

The UPM group has production facilities in 14 countries and employs some 24,000 people worldwide.