Bellway’s aim is to ensure that all wood products used by the Company in the housebuilding process originate from verified well-managed forests.

The cornerstone of this policy requires our suppliers to ensure that the timber supplied is produced in compliance with current laws and forest practice codes in the country concerned. Timber must not be taken from ancient forests or other high conservation value forests, unless the forest area is certified according to the Forest Stewardship Council’s principles and criteria or an equivalent system.

The following considerations guide our purchasing:

• To ensure we produce a quality product for our customers, we fairly assess all purchased wood for its quality, quantity and point of origin.

• We specify in orders and contracts that suppliers must provide evidence that timber and timber products have been lawfully obtained from forests or plantations that are being sustainably managed. Acceptable certification includes FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody.

• Through our sponsorship of Rainforest Concern we support the protection of endangered forests and promote the training of forestry professionals.

• This policy has been communicated to all Bellway’s timber suppliers. Bellway will continue to review its procurement policy in-line with its commitment to continue enhancing its environmental management systems.